A chance encounter in a Paris theater initiates a complex web of romantic entanglements that span generations and defy social conventions. The narrative follows Alexis, a young man whose infatuation with an actress triggers a series of shifting relationships involving his uncle and other members of his social circle. As the characters move between France and Italy, they navigate the constraints of age, class, and personal desire. The story is presented through a measured, observational lens that examines the fluidity of human affection over several decades.

Readers often note the detached, clinical tone Garnett employs when dissecting the messy nature of human desire. Discussion frequently centers on the unconventional morality presented within the text, which challenges traditional romantic tropes. Critics highlight the author's ability to maintain a consistent atmosphere across different European locales, grounding the emotional volatility in specific, vivid settings. Many readers find the pacing deliberate, favoring character-driven psychological shifts over rapid plot progression. The work remains a subject of interest for those examining mid-century perspectives on love and social boundaries.