Her mother's early death marked a turning point for a young Zoe Delighty. It was as though everything she knew about the world - and about love - died with her.Zoe's imaginative life becomes her strength and refuge. And, as soon as she is old enough, her means of escape. Years later, we meet her again in Europe. She is living a colourful, even dazzling, existence. But what is she making of herself? How real is her world? How real are her feelings?This is a novel about self-discovery, about passion for people and for living, and - eventually - about insight and healing. Its themes are timeless and universal. Its ideas and emotional frankness are striking. Its effect is engrossing and deeply moving.