A mysterious painting serves as the catalyst for a dual-timeline narrative that bridges the past and the present. The protagonist, a modern-day art restorer, works to uncover the hidden history embedded within the canvas, facing both technical challenges and the weight of long-buried secrets. As the restoration process progresses, the narrative shifts between the contemporary setting and the historical period of the painting's origin. The story explores how the past exerts influence over the present, utilizing a dual-perspective framework to slowly reveal the truth behind the artwork's creation and its subsequent concealment.

This novel is recognized for its thematic focus on women's history and its structural ambition in weaving two distinct time periods together. The inclusion of the work in the 1990 Feminist Book Fortnight highlights its significance within the literary discourse of that era. Readers and critics likely appreciate the meticulous detail regarding the art restoration process, which grounds the more ethereal elements of the mystery. The narrative style suggests a deliberate, patient pacing that allows the reader to piece together the historical puzzle alongside the protagonist. The book remains a notable example of how historical fiction can be used to reclaim and examine narratives that have been obscured by time.