An magnificent novel by the author of many Merchant-Ivory screenplays ,including Maurice. At the heart of the story is Louise, a woman of striking appearance who is bored in her marriage and seeks to reclaim her youth with adventures. Her romantic trysts rule her emotions, but her lifelong friendship with the wealthy Indian woman Regi steadies her soul. Louise's daughter Marietta is a high-strung fashion designer, her son Mark is gay and she dotes on him, and her daughter Natasha is timid. Hovering over all their lives is Leo, a self-styled guru whose practices are questionable, but whose charms are undeniable.
"Displays in abundance Jhabvala's wit and chilling accuracy of insight." The New York Times Book Review
