Maria Jameson, an Edinburgh academic, is passionately involved with a younger man and married to a steady, reliable husband with whom she has two children. She wonders: Is it possible to love two men at the same time? And must she feel guilty?

For answers she reaches across the centuries to the life story of George Sand, the maverick French novelist whose many lovers included the composer Frederic Chopin. While researching a book about Sand — and enduring bitter disappointment — she moves toward understanding how best to live her life.

This is a richly detailed novel that explores past and present, the personal and the historic, and sensuality, responsibility and the mystery of love. Sharply insightful, it is a deeply engaging examination of two women's minds, hearts and homes.