In Penelope Fitzgerald's "Human Voices," the protagonist finds herself in love with a middle-aged man who is charming yet forgetful. He appears to be unremarkable, seemingly reciting the same lines to various women. He once captivated her for a brief time, transforming into a prince in her eyes, but these moments now seem faded and unimportant to him.

The man has given her a unique token of affection—a ring made with a redcurrant—but his true passion lies solely with his work. This dynamic paints a portrait of love intertwined with disillusionment, as she realizes that his focus on his career overshadows any genuine connection he might have with her.