When Joanna May discovers that her husband has secretly commissioned four clones of her, she must confront the fragmentation of her own identity and the ethical implications of her existence. Joanna navigates a world where her autonomy is challenged by the male-dominated scientific and domestic spheres that seek to control her image and essence. The narrative employs a sharp, satirical tone to examine the commodification of women, utilizing a multi-perspective framework that shifts between Joanna and her younger, manufactured counterparts. As she uncovers the truth, she is forced to reconcile her past choices with the reality of her biological replication.

This work is frequently analyzed for its biting social commentary and its early exploration of the implications of cloning on the female experience. Critics often highlight the author's ability to blend speculative fiction with domestic drama to expose the underlying power dynamics of marriage. The narrative is noted for its cynical wit and its refusal to offer easy resolutions to the complex questions it poses about individuality. Readers often find the premise provocative, serving as a vehicle for a broader critique of how society constructs and consumes the female identity.