On a snowy winter evening, Christopher Ulwing returns to his long-ignored home, affectionately dubbed The New House for the past three decades. Nestled between the Buda hills and the expansive plains of Pest, the suburb of Leopold carries an air of abandonment. Tasked with restoring the castle, Christopher faces resistance from its current inhabitant—his son, John Hubert. Yet, young Anne’s joyful presence brings warmth and curiosity, prompting Christopher to reflect on his past as he embarks on this laborious renovation over several years. However, looming challenges accompany his efforts, including revolution, the disintegration of the Hungarian Kingdom, and the dawn of a new republic. - Summary by Lynne Thompson