Rough Strife Author:Lynne Sharon Schwartz The arithmetic of marriage is never easy to understand -- as time passes, the variables constantly change — Caroline is set adrift in 1950s Rome when she meets Ivan. Though things start slowly, Ivan wins her over after a strong pursuit, and the two marry, agreeing never to inflict any "irreparable wounds." But though Ivan prove... more »s to be a fine father, he is a distant husband, and Caroline finds herself daydreaming of other men. So as the years pass, the couple finds ways to bend but not break their cardinal rule.« less
The whole novel is about a relationship between two people...Caroline and Ivan. While the characters are vividly drawn out, there is no real plot, no action. Not my cup of tea.