The lives of four women are examined: mother and daughter whose early lives are spent in East Germany, and sisters whose formative years are set in an uncompromisingly disastrous way of life in Alexandra.
The youngest of the quartet is a brilliantly studious and delightful schoolgirl who is determined to seek a better way of life, away from the family which is a liability to both sisters.
However, Serena has a great wrong done to her by a teacher at her school and turns to her sister Lynn for help.
The pair decide to seek further help from a grandmother, Ilse, whose own mother, Gerda, has a similar story to tell.
Readers are given a tightly drawn review of the many facets of lives lived in Europe in which people somewhat nervously believe they are being well-treated.
The architecture, family and friendships of Leipzig are drawn by Gerda and Ilse, together with the familial realisation of the lack of opportunity being offered and the decision to go to the other side of the world.
A rich evocation by this very readable writer is a tribute to the multicultural society in which we now live.
Colleen Hartley is a lifelong devotee of New Zealand literature.
