Leaving her domineering parents, an uncaring husband, and a personal tragedy behind in Ireland, Nell tries her luck in vast, inhumane London. But in Edna O'Brien's 1992 novel, beautiful Nell embarks on one unsatisfying relationship after another, landing in absurd predicaments and putting herself in danger as she looks for one sure thing.

"O'Brien's melodious, fluent prose is one of the sweetest pleasures of contemporary fiction."—LATimes