Strength of the sun

'Every contact leaves a trace. But when Colette receives a letter from The Friends of Patrick Mercer, she has no idea who the man lying unconscious in a hospital on the other side of the world might be. Why is she being written to?' Recuperating in England after a bad car accident, medievalist Patrick Mercer reconstructs his life through memory and dreams and with the inspiration of his treasured illuminated manuscripts. Half a world away, Colette is adjusting to new classes, a new apartment and a new job - and the mysterious 'Patrick' letters that keep arriving in the mail, soliciting letters, tapes, even a visit. And Ruth and Malcolm - whose young son Colette baby-sits - are desperately seeking to pick up the pieces of their lives after the terrifying disappearance of their teenage daughter.