In Fall 1916, Americans debate whether to enter the European war. 'Preparedness parades' march and headlines report German spies. But in an isolated town in the Adirondacks, the danger is barely felt. At Tamarack Lake the focus is on the sick. Wealthy tubercular patients live in private cure cottages; charity patients, mainly immigrants, fill the public sanatorium. For all, time stands still.

An enterprising patient initiates a discussion group. When his well-meaning efforts lead instead to a tragic accident and a terrible betrayal, the war comes home, bringing with it anti-immigrant prejudice and vigilante sentiment. The conjunction of thwarted desires and political tension binds the patients so deeply that, finally, they speak about what's happened in a single voice.

Presented unabridged on 9 CDs.