The Shadow of Life — Anne Douglas Sedgwick

Is it possible to love a person so much that you refuse to remain together with him or her -- because you know that your union is destined to bring unhappiness? Is this choice selfless or selfish? That's the philosophical question at the heart of this rather dark romance from Anne Douglas Sedgwick. Despite sharing a passionate affinity that has persisted for decades, a couple's chance at lasting togetherness is dashed because one partner is fearful that he is not worthy of the love he has been given.