The reclusive poet Enderby finds his carefully constructed life of lavatorial solitude shattered when he is thrust into an unwanted romance with a predatory widow. Enderby, a man who composes his verse while sitting on the toilet, seeks only to maintain his eccentric isolation and creative process. His peace is interrupted by Vesta Bainbridge, a professional widow who views him as a project to be civilized and integrated into conventional society. The narrative follows his struggle to reconcile his internal artistic world with the demands of a mundane, intrusive reality. The story utilizes a third-person perspective that shifts between the protagonist's internal poetic musings and the external chaos of his social entanglements.

Readers and critics frequently discuss the novel's unique blend of high-brow literary references and low-brow humor. Discussion often centers on the character of Enderby as a representation of the artist in conflict with the demands of the outside world. Many reviewers highlight the effectiveness of Burgess's prose in capturing the protagonist's internal monologue and his peculiar creative habits. The pacing is often noted for its sharp, satirical shifts that keep the narrative momentum focused on the absurdity of Enderby's predicament. Readers generally appreciate the balance between the character's isolation and the intrusive nature of the supporting cast.