Flashbacks to his childhood where he was befriended by Joe Cox of Pog Hill - an itinerant gardener and wine maker of note make for some fascinating reading.
In Lansquenet his reclusive neighbour, Marise who has a terrifying secret, is shunned by the inhabitants of the village -a veritable collection of interesting and colourful characters.
Its been 10 years since Jay has made any contribution to the literary world and it is here in Lansquenet that he hopes to magically write his long overdue novel, but magic, like wine, needs teh right conditions in order to work.
As usual, a totally absorbing story and another wonderful book from Joanne Harris. Highly recommended.