This is the story of Harry Bailey and his attempts to repair a life that has come undone. He has been living with his father since his mother walked out on them both six years before, and together they have sunk into a lonely routine. But their humdrum habits are suddenly disrupted when the elder Bailey begins dating a woman half his age. As Harry gets drawn back into the surprises of a rediscovered life, he grows increasingly preoccupied both with his father's happiness and with Mona, the woman responsible.