Rumer Godden writes as no other can about English middle class life, discovering Italy, divorce, children, and the irresistable pull of romance. Fanny Clavering, the shy, self effacing wife of Colonel Darryl Clavering, is swept off her feet by Rob Quillet, the movie director temporarily residing in her English village. She runs away with him to Italy leaving her two children, Hugh and Caddie, devastated.

They decide not to accept the situation and run away to Italy and the Villa Fiorita to "rescue" her. The battle is joined.

Fanny and her lover, Rob, are portrayed sympathetically; although, their poor decisions are shown to affect everyone around them. Godden's description of northern Italy, the food, the people, and the landscape are beautiful. There is much humor, understanding, and love displayed in this novel.