A brilliant novel from the author of `Notes from an Exhibition' - that follows three genrations of an unusual family as they confront the harsher facts of modern life. A young composer, Edward Pepper, is exiled from his native Germany by the war, struck down with TB, and left to languish in hospital. But when he falls in love with his doctor, Sally Banks, his world is transformed. But despite his new life with Sally, Edward is haunted by memories of his Jewish family, who he was forced to abandon. When he receives news that his sister has been found alive, it sets in motion a train of events that will test Edward and his family. Years later, Edward watches his grandchildren make their own lives and a few mistakes along the way. As they struggle to keep the family intact, they are forced to come to terms with some of the tougher facts of life.