Set in the mid-1960s, this second novel in the 'Illumination' trilogy shows its central character, Richard Lane, studying at university, and fostering intellectual friendships with some of his fellow male students. Also, during his first long summer vacation, he visits Germany and meets a young German woman, Helga, with whom he comes to share a deep and intimate understanding, as well as sexual pleasure. This sharing is presented as especially interesting because, happening only two decades after the end of
World War Two, it shows the ability of young people, with their eager openness to experience, to bridge different national and cultural backgrounds. Finally, the text moves
beyond Richard's university days to the world of work, and his first encounters in yet another Continental country, Portugal, where a good deal of the final book in the trilogy will be set.