A middle-aged woman's past comes back to haunt her in this novel of reflection. As a young university student of Russian literature Jane rents a room in the co-ed house of peaceniks and anti-nuclear protesters. Jane becomes immersed in their cause through intimidation and loyalty to others in the house. Fast forward 20 years and her university friends are making headlines again. Sonia, a lost friend accused of terrorism, has just been released after twenty years in prison. It all comes flooding back to Jane. Will Jane's reputation as a book editor be destroyed; what will her son think of her? A funny, absorbing and timely novel about fear in our time.