By one of Norway's most distinguished twentieth century novelists. Alberta, now mistress to Sivert, a Norwegian artist, is living in Paris with their small son. While Sivert is involved in a liaison with a Swedish painter, Alberta falls in love with Pierre, a writer who has just returned from WWI. After a period of conflict, Sivert and Alberta return to Norway, and there Alberta's self- realization becomes complete. With subtlety and insight, Sandel depicts the gradual corrosion of a relationship against the background of the aftermath of the Great War. She writes in a low key, with exact domestic detail, unhurried, lucid and sure. The picture she builds up is unforgettable."" - Daily Telegraph.