The stability of Lena’s domestic life fractures as infidelity and personal isolation force her to confront the disintegration of her marriage. Lena attempts to navigate the widening distance between herself and her husband, Ben, whose preoccupation with his scientific career leaves her increasingly alienated. As her sons struggle with their own internal realities, Lena seeks refuge in alcohol to cope with her fading sense of self. The narrative examines the quiet erosion of intimacy within a household, tracking the characters as they drift into separate, private spheres of existence.

Discussion often centers on the author's ability to render the mundane aspects of domestic life with a sharp, observant eye. Readers frequently highlight the stark contrast between the external appearance of a functional family and the internal reality of their emotional distance. Critics often point to the prose style, noting that the author utilizes silence and precise language to convey the weight of unspoken grievances. The narrative is frequently described as an examination of the fragility of human connection within the confines of a marriage. Many readers appreciate the focus on the protagonist's search for identity amidst the collapse of her primary support system.