Book excerpt: Molly Trent writes a letter to an author in another country to praise one of his books. She does not expect a reply. He does reply, and slowly a friendship grows out of their first formal letters. Molly’s life is hectic; her husband is ill, and her job no longer interests her. Soon M.K. seems like her only friend in the world. Then M.K. comes to the U.S. to teach for a year. They meet in person at last. M.K. learns a great deal about Molly during the subsequent months. What does Molly learn about M.K., and (more to the point) what does she learn about herself?