Set in Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War, the nine stories in this collection reflect on the foibles and dilemmas of human relationships: An English family goes to the south of France for the sake of the father’s health, and to get away from an England of rationing and poverty. A displaced person turned French soldier in Algeria now makes a living as an actor in Paris. A group of selfish English expatriates on the Italian Riviera are incredulous that Mussolini and the Germans may affect their lives. A great writer’s quiet widow blossoms in widowhood, to the surprise and alarm of her children, who send a ten-year-old grandson to Switzerland to keep her company one Christmas.

"All of the stories in this book originally appeared in 'The New Yorker'"--T.p. verso 2001 Emblem ed. "Canada Reads 2008 selection/CBC Radio One"--Cover Emblem ed.

The four seasons --The Moslem wife -- The remission -- The latehomecomer -- Baum, Gabriel, 1935- -- From the fifteenth district -- Potter -- His mother -- Irina.