What are we all chasing? Nella wonders. To live, of course. To be unbound from the invisible ropes that Johannes spoke of in his study. Or to be happy in them, at least.

"But words are water in Amsterdam, they flood your ears and set the rot, and the church's east corner is crowded."

Jessie Burton

"1887A lifetime isn't enough to know how a person will behave."

Jessie Burton

"Love your children, for they are the seeds that will make this city bloom."

Jessie Burton