Lilac and Flag, novel by John Berger, first edition in 1990. Third and last volume of his trilogy Into Their Labours (1992).

In the mythic city of Troy, amidst the shanty-towns, factories, opulent hotels, fading heritages and steadfast dreams, the children and grandchildren of rural peasants pursue meagre livings as best they can. And two young lovers embark upon a passionate journey of love and survival.

« It seems to me Zsuzsa and Sucus were making love when the story began. »

« Life is as thin as a sharpened blade. The rest is God. »

« Love treasures hands like nothing else. Perhaps other parts are more cherished, more kissed, more dreamt of, but hands are treasured like nothing else, because of all they have taken, made,  given, planted, picked, fed, stolen, caressed, arranged, let drop in sleep, offered. At the very end of his life it would be Zsuzsa’s hands Sucus would be looking for. »