The stability of a long-term marriage fractures under the weight of accumulated secrets and the inevitable drift of two individuals over two decades. Joan and Richard Maple navigate the complexities of domestic life, from the mundane rituals of family trips to the high-stakes tension of infidelity and political engagement. The narrative framework utilizes a series of interconnected vignettes that capture the Maples at various stages of their relationship, ultimately leading to the difficult task of explaining their separation to their children. The prose maintains a focus on the internal psychological shifts of the protagonists as they confront the erosion of their shared history.

Readers and critics frequently observe that the collection functions as a poignant autopsy of a marriage in decline. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to render the minutiae of domestic life with clinical precision while maintaining a sense of emotional distance. Many highlight the effectiveness of the episodic format in demonstrating how small, seemingly insignificant choices accumulate into irreparable fissures. The work is often noted for its refusal to offer easy resolutions, instead focusing on the stark reality of two people growing apart over time.