Rory Keenan navigates the complex emotional landscape of his upbringing under the shadow of his eccentric, larger-than-life mother, Kitty. As a young boy, Rory struggles to reconcile his affection for his mother with the embarrassment caused by her unpredictable behavior and bizarre public exploits. The narrative follows Rory into adulthood, where he must confront the lingering impact of his mother's personality as she faces a terminal illness. Through a series of reflective memories, the story examines the tension between love and frustration within a parent-child dynamic, set against the backdrop of their shared history in Ireland and London.

This novel presents a nuanced examination of the complexities inherent in parent-child relationships, particularly when one party possesses an overwhelming personality. The narrative style suggests a balance between comedic observation and somber reflection, allowing the reader to witness the protagonist's gradual shift from childhood mortification to adult empathy. By focusing on the specific, often absurd habits of the mother, the text grounds its emotional weight in the mundane realities of daily life. The work appears to prioritize character depth over plot-driven momentum, offering a grounded look at how individuals process the legacies left by their parents.