"Helen Grant, known to her acquaintances as Hen, is a mystery to her daughter. An extrovert with few friends who has sought intimacy in the wrong places; a twice-divorced mother of two now living alone surrounded by her memories, Helen has always haunted Bridget. Now Bridget sees Helen once a year, and considers the problem to be contained. As she looks back on their tumultuous relationship- the performances and small deceptions- she tries to reckon with the cruelties inflicted on both sides. But when Helen makes it clear that she wants more, it seems an old struggle will have to be replayed"--