"Mates are not always matches, and matches are not always mates," pronounces Magda Danvers.
As a young woman, dazzling, domineering Magda swept the shy, virginal Francis into one of the most extraordinary marriages imaginable. Relinquishing his own ambitions, Francis devoted his life to taking care of his charismatic wife.
Now, Magda's grave illness puts their marriage to its ultimate test, even as she continues to inspire her many visitors. Into this provocative atmosphere comes Alice, reeling from family tragedy and a crumbling marriage to novelist Hugo Henry. Is it the brilliance of Magda's ideas that draws Alice, or is she merely desperate to discover the secret of a good marriage?
For Alice, Hugo, Francis and Magda will learn that the ideal relationship - even a perfect marriage - doesn't come without a price.
