One year in the life of a London Jewish family at a time of great change: Sydney Shelton's business is not doing too well these days, but he has provided for his future and his worries are not about trade but about his own health and his children, now young adults. Sydney's wife Kitty knows how ill he is - but they cannot talk about it. The children openly flout tradition and go against his wishes. What will happen to them if he dies?

With a light satirical touch and great sensitivity, Rosemary Friedman explores the tensions and deeper feelings of a traditional family facing the pressures of change in a non-religious society. A thoughtful and moving novel.