Ten human destinies, told with a light touch: women who have one-night stands, who are in love, or who are fearful in the face of daily challenges. The author paints psychologically rich portraits in a poetic and sensual manner. In the story "Hunger," for example, we meet 13-year-old Hanna, who nearly starves because she has sworn to give in to no desire after being harmed by a boy she loved. In another story, a woman unexpectedly sees a long-lost painting by Vermeer and, at the same moment, experiences the highest ecstasy of love. Shortly thereafter, neither the painting nor the lover can be found. Did she only dream? Poetic tales that intertwine Dutch history from 150 years ago with the inner lives of deeply developed characters.