Book excerpt: Nanzee and Basil Barden-Love, with their family, continually and un-dauntingly conquer whatever life metes out. Meanwhile, Gwen Duncan is on the rollercoaster ride of her life; she finds herself enduring things she emphatically detests. For Love, her reason for endurance is the cause of her misery. He is determined not to be bullied by her. She will know there is a difference between Basil and himself! Nanzee, on occasion winces at Gwens thoughtlessness; but she determines never to let it ruin her marriage. Meanwhile, Gwen, herself moves through a maze of uncertainty as their friendship forged since childhood is threatened.