Larry Mann, lonely and neglected in his rooms on the top floor of a north London house, is delighted when pale, quiet Amanda, a young student, moves in below him. Anxious to make her feel at home, he brings her presents, prepares meals for her, and is always ready for a cozy chat and a drink in the evening. Amandas arrival makes a world of difference to Larry, abandoned long since by his wife and daughter. He is happy to spend time serving her any way he can. Amanda, shy and kind-hearted, doesnt want to hurt Larrys feelings, but shes not always as grateful as she might be for his attentions. And Larry, uneasy at the weekend visits of her male friend and fearful that he may supplant him in Amandas affections, broods darkly on the past. Told throughout in Larrys voice, this extra-ordinarily eerie tale builds to a dreadful and unexpected climax. Penelope Evans, in her remarkable first novel, winds up the psychological tension to an almost unbearable degree.