Sacred Country is one of the most profound novels I have read. I first read the book at a time in my life when identity was a vague notion I could not define. Sacred Country, with its hero/heroine of Martin/Mary encouraged me to find exactly what it was I was looking for, and to be selfish in going to find it. As a girl, Mary is troubled and tortured and as a man, Martin is content but far from happy. Rose Tremain weaves her plots with an intimacy which is astounding and the voices she gives her characters are utterly real. As an introduction to the author, you will not be disappointed (be sure to endure the first chapter, though) and if you're expanding your Tremain library then this is a must-have. One of my favourite novels of all time.