This book of humorous, sympathetic and insightful short stories dives deep into the experience of a retreat or "work period."  Each person struggles with their particular egoism yet experiences moments of luminous clarity.  Indeed, the central figure, "Le Clair," is based on the author's experiences with Michel de Salzmann.  Fran Shaw is also the author of The Next Attention, which captures Michel de Salzmann's way of speaking and working.