Author(s): Frank Moorhouse

Australian

On the night of October 15, 1931, Edith Campbell Berry is in the dining room of the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, celebrating in the renewal of her contract as an officer of the league of nations. However, times are changing, for Edith and for the League. The grand days of early idealism and optimism are being eroded by a steely pragmatism. Japan is fighting in Manchuria. The United States is finally about to sit at the League's council tables. As Edith moves expertly through the diplomatic circles, she is facing a conflict much closer to home. Something has to give and as the league deals with the threats and upheavals of the 1930's, so too must Edith deal with the greatest personal and professional challenges of her life.