Set in a small Iowa town in the 1800's this is the story of a family and of the effect upon them and their friends when the husband--John Wood--a paragon of virtue, is exposed as a thief. Ruth Suckow, author of The Folks writes with searching sensitivity as she explores the reactions of the wife who is unable to face her husband's deceit, the neighbors' sadness and frustration, and the bewilderment of the son, who up to this point has known nothing but privilege and approbation. A compassionate and touching book with strong regional and period flavor.