This novel confronts the dilemmas faced by women and the choices they have to make On the surface, Sophie seems to have everything a promising career and devoted lover but, when an exciting opportunity at work arises, she is confronted with a choice which will compel her to make a huge sacrifice She decides to consult her mother Elizabeth and her grandmother Kate but her innocent questions prompt the flooding back of memories and secrets long buried, as Elizabeth and Kate reveal their own past lives and loves and Sophie questions the legacy of freedom won for her by previous generations