After her untimely death, a vengeful ex-wife refuses to let go of her former life, exerting a disruptive influence on her ex-husband's new domestic stability. Madeleine, the protagonist, seeks to maintain her presence in the lives of her ex-husband Jarvis and their daughter Hilary, even from beyond the grave. She actively sabotages Jarvis's attempts at a clean start with his new wife, Lily, while navigating the complex web of relationships involving his secretary, Margot. The narrative employs a sharp, cynical tone to examine the lingering effects of past grievances on present lives, utilizing a structure that blurs the lines between memory and active interference.

This work is characterized by its acerbic wit and unflinching examination of the domestic sphere. The narrative structure suggests a focus on the psychological residue of failed relationships and the ways in which past actions continue to dictate current behaviors. The premise points to a cynical exploration of how individuals attempt to exert control over their legacies and the lives of those they have left behind. The tone likely emphasizes the absurdity of marital conflict, positioning the protagonist as a force of chaos within a carefully constructed new life.