The only novel written by one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century.

'Zweig's fictional masterpiece' - The Guardian

'An intoxicating, morally shaking read... A real reminder of what fiction can do best' - Ali Smith

'It's just a masterpiece. When I read it I thought, how is it that I don't already know about this?' - Wes Anderson

In 1913, young second lieutenant Hofmiller discovers the terrible danger of pity. He had no idea the girl was lame when he asked her to dance-so begins a series of visits, motivated by pity, which relieve his guilt but give her a dangerous glimmer of hope.

Stefan Zweig's unforgettable novel is a devastating depiction of the betrayal of both honour and love, amid the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.