don't know quite how to describe this one - execept to say it is almost unbearably poignant at times. Originally published in 1949 - it tells the story of Hilary Wainwright and the search for his young son. In 1942 Hilary learns his son - who he beived was being cared for by a woman in occupied France, who rescued the child following Hilary's wife's death - is in fact lost, possibly somewhere in France. In 1945 Hilary goes in search of his son, with the help of a french man Pierre. But Hilary is a tortured soul - a poet - he now finds himself resistant to feelings of love since his wifes death, and wonders if he really wants this child at all. I won't say much more about the story as I know there are other Persephone fans out there who might one day read this book. But I found this such a wonderfuly moving book, that at times made me furious too, that I had to read it slowly, I had to put it down and walk away from it at times. It is however hugely memorable, and the sort of book I will read again. ( )