A rich and compelling novel about a mismatched marriage and its consequences, spanning three generations. Pauline and Michael seemed like the perfect couple, when they met it was love at first sight, and in the heat of World War II fervor, they were propelled into a hasty wedding. But they never should have married. Pauline is impulsive and impractical, while Michael is cautious and judgmental, and in time their foolish quarrels take their toll.