This is a tough and poignant novel that tells us the uncompromising story of Nora Moratti. This immigrant woman struggles to find freedom and happiness in Canada only to have them snatched away by a series of tragedies. An Italian Hagar Shipley (Margaret Laurance), the aged Nora recalls her like in graphic detail and with no regrets. Ardizzi uses a powerful and poetic language to capture the deepest sentiments of a woman with imagination and courage.