The plot of this novel revolves around Jay, a rather disillusioned writer who completed one brilliant book, years previously, and a great deal of junk fiction. He's married to the ultra-smart and supercilious Kerry, but one day, on impulse, decides to buy an old farm in France - and then moves there, out of the blue. Most of the novel revolves around his re-finding his writing muse, getting the farm into some kind of shape, and getting to know the neighbours.