A dysfunctional family reunites in Florida for a wedding, only to have their fragile dynamics shattered by long-held secrets and unexpected crises. The Drummond family members, each grappling with their own personal failures and eccentricities, are forced into proximity by the impending marriage of their son. As they navigate the claustrophobic environment of a hotel, they must confront the reality of their shared history and the corrosive nature of their relationships. The narrative employs a sharp, observational tone to dissect the absurdity of modern family life and the inevitable friction that arises when disparate lives collide.

This novel is widely recognized for its signature Coupland style, characterized by a blend of cynical wit and genuine pathos. Readers often note the author's ability to capture the specific anxieties of the early twenty-first century through the lens of a deeply fractured family unit. The narrative is frequently praised for its rapid pacing and the sharp, biting dialogue that defines the interactions between the Drummond family members. While the subject matter is inherently bleak, the work is generally regarded as a poignant examination of how individuals attempt to forge connections despite profound personal dysfunction. The book remains a notable entry in the author's bibliography for its unflinching look at the complexities of modern kinship.