After an early career amongst the political elite of Cold War Russia, Alexander Ivanov has built a successful business in the States. For 40 years, he has buried the tragic memories surrounding his charismatic late wife, Katya—or so he believes. For into his life come two women—one who will open up the heart he has protected for so long; another who is determined to uncover what really happened to Katya so long ago. The novel's journey back to the snowbound streets of post-Stalinist Moscow reveals a world of secrets and treachery. Shamim Sarif's elegant writing delicately evokes the intensity of passionate love and tragic violence.