I am avid HE Bates fan - reading and re-reading his books at regular intervals. The Sleepless Moon had managed to slip through my grasp until just now. I think this has to be his best written book. The story moves quickly over a period of a few years in a small town where the very young and shy Constance marries the immovably stubborn, soul-less and much older Melford Turner. Appearances mean a lot to him and it's not long before he becomes Mayor (as was his father). Constance yearns for company and passion but it is not to be with Melford. Before long, she turns to someone else but the relationship turns sour. Bates as usual plots his books beautifully, you can smell the pastures and live through the changing seasons like no other writer can do. Absolutely beautiful and very, very poignant.