I first picked this book up by chance as a 16 year old, choosing a book from the weekly library visit with my sister, by shelf and alphabet. I loved it, but had to return it. At that age it gave a view of an older life I could know nothing of. But then later in life I came across it in a second hand book shop and it still held the romantic fascination and sadness that it did before, but with a better understanding that comes with age. I lent the book out and of course never got it back, but over the years I have found and bought it time and time again, and lent it too, hence having to keep rebuying it! It will haunt me I think into old age, 35 now and I still adore this book. Today it brings me peace and humility to my own relationship. If you are a woman then please read it - you will never regret it.