In this powerfully atmospheric novel, Jacqueline Rose retells the story of Albertine from Proust's In Search of Lost Time, from her point of view. But this remarkable retelling stands on its own, needing no knowledge of the original. Instead this woman's story carries us into a lush, dream-like world, in which a drama of passion - suggestive and erotic, intriguing and provocative - is played out on bodies and minds alike. The beautiful orphan, Albertine, is trapped in her lover's Paris apartment. She longs for his wealth and status, and hopes he will make her safe. Sickly and pampered, he is lured by her verve, the ease of her body, the pleasures he suspects are lurking in her past. Gradually, as they circle each other, their love starts to suffocate them both.