"What happens when an irresistible force encounters an immovable object?" The ancient paradox becomes a real-life problem, when a woman, whose wealth and influence are matched only by her arrogance and violent temper, encounters someone with the strength of character to rival her own. It is bad enough that this new, formidable foe is a mere girl. But to make matters worse, she also happens to be the great lady's only granddaughter.

The ensuing battle of wits and tempers escalates into a veritable war, complete with prisoners and casualties in this powerful story by Maria Krestovskaya, one of the true masters when it comes to finding high drama in the midst of ordinary life.