A man returns to his home in Israel from the United States to finalize a divorce, only to find his family life unraveling in unexpected ways. Yehoshua centers the narrative on the protagonist, Zvi, whose attempt to legally sever ties with his institutionalized wife triggers a cascade of psychological and domestic crises. The narrative framework utilizes a multi-perspective approach, shifting between family members to expose the fractures in their collective history. The story operates within the constraints of intense, claustrophobic domesticity, where past grievances and current obsessions collide to prevent a clean break.

This work is frequently cited as a significant contribution to modern Israeli literature, noted for its complex psychological depth and structural ambition. Critics often highlight Yehoshua's ability to weave together the personal and the political, using the domestic sphere as a microcosm for broader societal tensions. The narrative's shifting viewpoints are often praised for their technical precision, which forces readers to constantly re-evaluate the motivations of each family member. The novel remains a staple for those interested in the intricacies of character-driven drama and the nuances of familial obligation.