When Margaret's fiance shows signs of severe depression, her decision to marry him binds their future family to an illness none of them fully understands. Across decades, John and Margaret and their children struggle with love, fear, treatment and the unpredictability of mental health. Each family member responds differently, sometimes protecting and sometimes wounding the others. Adam Haslett's novel portrays the lasting impact of depression while preserving the humour, tenderness and loyalty that keep a family connected.