A beautifully observed portrait of adolescent experience, this novel relates the events that overtake a girl and her young brother when they are left unaccompanied for the night on their parents' farm. They have to cope alone when a group of strangers call at the house after their car breaks down. The strangers are an ill-assorted family who inflict their personal problems and neurosis on the two young siblings. On a deeper level, this extraordinary novel from 1954 is an account and remembrance of how it really feels to be young. Self-growth, self-knowledge, and love are explored as the children experience the abrupt change from childish dreams and security to adult responsibility and happiness.
