Virago Modern Classics

Rumer Godden''s stunning classic novel of devotion, faith and madness

''You have to be very strong to live close to God or a mountain, or you''ll turn a little mad . . .''

High in the Himalayas, the mountaintop palace shines like a jewel. Built for the General''s harem, laughter and music once floated out over the gorge. Now it sits abandoned, windswept and haunting - until Sister Clodagh and her group of nuns arrive to turn ''the House of Women'' into the Convent of St Faith. Close to the heavens, the Sisters of Mary feel inspired, working fervently to establish their school and hospital. But the isolation and emptiness of the mountain begin to take a terrible toll, unleashing long-repressed passions with tragic consequences . . .

Introduced by Amanda Coe

''A masterly novelist'' Tessa Hadley

''A remarkable and beautiful book'' DAILY TELEGRAPH

''I envy anyone reading it for the first time'' AMANDA COE

''Distinctive, poised and entirely unsentimental'' ROSIE THOMAS