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 Cl zio.