Martin grapples with the dissolution of his marriage by sifting through the fragments of his shared past. Haunted by the departure of his wife, Martin immerses himself in a retrospective examination of their life together. He revisits moments of profound connection, instances of profound letdown, unspoken commitments, and the inevitable clashes that defined their relationship. The narrative framework appears to be a deeply introspective, memory-driven exploration of a marriage's end.

Stephen Dixon's 'His Wife Leaves Him' is recognized for its unflinching portrayal of marital breakdown and the complex inner life of its protagonist. The collection delves into the nuances of memory, regret, and the lingering impact of shared experiences. Readers and critics have noted Dixon's characteristic precision in capturing the often-unspoken dynamics of relationships. The work is seen as a poignant examination of love, loss, and the intricate architecture of a life built with another.