Traveling Short Distances

A chiaroscuro of the human homing instinct often insistent seldom placated.The story takes us to the mid nineteen-eighties before the advent of cell phones. Here even the telephone plays a supporting role the instrument of friendship revelation and deceit. Europe's cities and their seasons set the backdrop for a tale of longing doubt and quests in midstream.No one pities diplomats says Ian Howlett caught in a career many might envy.And yet.No one knew it at the time but bloodless Cold War conflict would soon take new forms altogether.