This book goes in many different directions and explores relationships within familes and also between friends. The main character in the book is Charlotte Jameson and much of the story revolves around her. The relationship with her mother Molly went deep and when she was called upon to become her full-time Carer at the small cottage in the village of St. Gilda in Yorkshire, she never hesitated even for a moment even though it meant giving up her life in the city. She worked as a self employed translator so her work could continue. When the letter in the pale blue envelope found its way into her hands she had no way of knowing what extraordinary events and emotions would be triggered by its contents which would set her on a path out of Yorkshire and into Southern Africa. She was faced with revelations which brought about great changes in her life. Finding new worlds with their own culture, language and history in South Africa and Namibia broadened her horisons but she was ultimately drawn back to her roots in Yorkshire. Ultimately she longed for the tranquility of the Yorkshire countryside and returned to St. Gilda only to be caught up in the trauma of the grandchildren of the Hauptmanns, a German family who lived near St. Gilda. Joe, who became Charlotte's friend after a chance meeting, had left London to escape from a failed relationship. He found the tranquility of the Dales suited both himself and his companion of many years, his yellow labrador. Streak was his faithful friend who loved the freedom of rambling around the countryside. Charlotte joined them on many outings and the friendship deepened. When she told him of her impending trip to South Africa, he was filled with misgivings, breathing a sigh of relief when she came home.