Annie L Cooper

Mia Channing appears to have an enviable life, but appearances can be deceptive... When the family gathers for her son's thirtieth birthday, it turns out to be an evening that marks a turning point in all their lives, when old resentments and regrets surface and the carefully ordered world Mia has created begins to unravel.

Since the failure of her marriage, Perdita has spent ten years building up a thriving salad business. Her comfortable world is turned upside down when one of her regular customers retires, and Lucas Gillespie, her ex-husband, takes over the kitchen. Things get worse when she is asked to be filmed with him for a TV cookery programme.

Set in 17th century Amsterdam this fictional tale is based on the relationship between Dutch maid, Helena Jans van der Strom and philosopher, mathematician and scientist Rene Descartes. Helena yearns for knowledge and literacy and tells us her story, as gradually their relationship deepens in a surprising account of love and learning.

Beginning in the iconic summer of 1914, in a rural world full of rich promise and beauty, this is a portrayal of the relationship between a wife who loves too much and her depressive, often tormented husband - the poet, essayist, and novelist Edward Thomas.