Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s treatment of the German Occupation of the English Channel Islands and Nazi concentration camps. This section also refers to the novel’s handling of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

After the end of WWII, Juliet Ashton, a writer, is traveling on a book tour throughout England and corresponds with her editor, Sidney Stark. She explains that while she is having a good time traveling, she is reconsidering her idea for a new book, and she does not want to continue writing under her wartime nom de plume, Izzy Bickerstaff. Sidney is supportive of her decision, tells her of recent sales figures for her published book, and encourages her to do well on her book tour. He also informs her that extending her tour to Scotland to visit his sister and Juliet’s good friend, Sophie, remains debatable. They arrange to have dinner together. When Juliet then communicates with Sophie directly, she complains and expresses her doubts about finding a love match, wondering if there is something wrong with her.