About The Burden of Matter Donna and Alan, in their early twenties, fall in love in Washington, D.C., as World War II draws to a close. Alan is compelled to write a novel that will expose his stepfather as his father's murderer. Donna hopes to marry him and escape her dysfunctional home. They pursue an intense affair. Prior involvements, family strife, and Alan's meager income as a jazz musician strain the relationship. Donna's longing to marry intensifies, but he cannot yet consider wedlock. They part. Then Alan takes a more direct approach to avenging his father's death. Unforeseen events as well as latent depths of character lead to a surprising conclusion. The Burden of Matter is not a 'romance, ' but a realistic love story, marked by the clash of two strong personalities with social, economic, and internal forces. Vibrant with suspense and drama of the war's end, it brings to life two lovers' worst and best days during a turbulent time in America.