One day, and one night, on a rural Swedish farm during which the young daughter of the farmer marries the considerably older village butcher. In a burlesque and often comical style, Stig Dagerman explores the eternal themes of existential loneliness and a longing for connection through the many characters. It is also here that he, for himself, stakes out a different path toward inner freedom. This was Stig Dagerman's last novel, by many considered his best. This edition includes an introduction by Nobel Prize winner, J. M. G. Le Clézio.