Shocked by the late re-marriage of his mother, Alan Sherwood submits to a highly unsatisfactory engagement to fragile, needy Angela. She sees in him a protector, one who will confer stability and respect upon her, yet he is haunted by memories of more carefree times in Paris, and by his passionate and destructive affair with Sarah Miller. When Sarah re-enters his life, Alan willingly embarks on a futile act of betrayal. Powerfully written and rich in perception, Anita Brookner's portrait of vulnerability and loss of innocence is an extraordinary achievement.

'First published in 1996 by Jonathan Cape'.