Temporarily abandoned by her overbearing husband amidst the chaos and decay of Los Angeles, Carla Verdi tries to run her home and bring up her son along traditional Italian lines.

She finds solace in the friendship of Leo, a Catholic priest. 'Obedience', he teaches her, 'was the prime virtue taught in seminaries.' Thus armed with their private loyalties - he to his church, she to her marriage - they are swept towards temptation.

'A writer of stunning quality, a novelist of irony and compassion who observes her American scene with a refreshingly European detachment.' Daily Telegraph

'A novel of writhing ironies . . . a ruthless, penetrating and desolately funny book.' Guardian

'High-class, serious fun.' Sunday Telegraph