Set in a small European village, this gripping novel recounts the emotional journey of a young couple whose plans for a new life together are threatened by state bureaucracy and political strife. As they struggle to obtain a passport that will allow them to leave the country, they are forced to confront their own fears and desires, and to make difficult choices that will determine their fate. Voûte's skillful prose and keen insights into human nature make this a must-read for anyone who loves great literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.