Blaise Gavender, a psychotherapist leading a double life, finds his carefully partitioned existence collapsing when his wife and mistress are brought into proximity. Blaise attempts to maintain equilibrium between his domestic life and his clandestine affair, but his inability to reconcile these roles triggers a series of chaotic events. The narrative examines the psychological toll of his deception on those around him, forcing characters to confront the moral implications of their desires. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that shifts between the internal monologues of the primary characters, highlighting the logical inconsistencies inherent in their choices. The world is defined by the social and intellectual constraints of the British middle class, where appearances often mask profound personal turmoil.

Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance complex philosophical inquiries with a compelling, character-driven narrative. Readers frequently highlight the sharp, often biting wit used to dissect the protagonist's moral failings and the resulting domestic upheaval. Critics often point to the book's atmosphere, which shifts between domestic realism and a more surreal, almost theatrical sense of impending disaster. The work is widely recognized for its intellectual depth and its refusal to offer simple resolutions to the moral dilemmas presented by the characters. Many readers find the exploration of the sacred and profane dichotomy to be a central, thought-provoking element that sustains interest throughout the narrative.