A family's optimistic new beginning in Dublin unravels amidst external pressures and internal dislocation. The narrator and his partner Helen attempt to establish a home and a business in Dublin with their two children, seeking a sense of belonging. However, the lingering shadow of the Troubles and mounting financial difficulties threaten to dismantle their enterprise and force them to abandon their new life, questioning what is gained when everything is at risk.

The novel is characterized as a powerful story of fragmentation and belonging, focusing on emigrants and those returning home. It explores the complexities of establishing a new life while grappling with external pressures and internal dislocation. The narrative centers on a family's struggle to maintain their enterprise and home in the face of mounting difficulties. The book is noted for its exploration of optimism juxtaposed with a sense of loss.