The last time Martin was overseas was in World War II. Shocked by the violence and chaos, at the end of the war he gave up his legal career ? to his wife's dismay ? to become a vicar in a quiet Yorkshire parish.

After 25 years he is in France for a second time, travelling with friends to a religious conference in Salamanca. As they drive, Martin begins to evaluate his life and realises that the changes in wider society since the war are echoed in deep cracks in his marriage. Has what he thought of as peace-making really just been cowardice? And is his commitment to his ministry coming to an end? When his 13-year-old daughter Sally runs away, his relationship with his wife reaches a new nadir. He realises he must now take decisive action to step up as a father and change direction once again.

A subtle, perceptive exploration of a man facing a crossroads in his life.