On the shores of Lake Como a man and a woman talk about longing and belongingl; a translator finds himself drawn into the personal and political turmoil of the poet he translates; a woman's quiet world is eroded by World War II and the division of her country. Charting the geographies of leave-taking and homecoming, the consolations and rivalries of friendship, adolescent yearnings and maturity's tentative acceptance of longing, these exquisite stories engage with the grand narratives of our time. 'Both disconcerting and alluring...the further the reader travels into Hussein's landscape of erosion, the more potent his capacity to find beauty becomes.' Times Literary Supplement 'Profound but low key; spiritual, but pragmatic; full of longing, but also acceptance.' Independent on Sunday 'Emotionally as well as intellectually charged.' New Statesman 'Hauntingly convincing.' The Daily Telegraph 'Lovely short stories...sharp, bitter, subtle comedy.' The Times 'Fresh, personal and profoundly moving.' Kamila Shamsie, Literary Review 'Superbly written short fiction...the writing is both delicate and powerful: these are very fine stories indeed.' Independent 'A gem-like collection...Aamer Hussein is a consummate stylist...His prose is restrained, precise and yet deeply moving. He is a sensuous writer in whose stories nature acts as a balm on even the most weary of sensibilities.' Moni Mohsin, Literary Review 'Profound, beautiful' Ruth Padel 'Wonderfully evocative and readable' Kate Pullinger