The divergent paths of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, unfold against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Victorian and Edwardian England. Constance remains anchored to the provincial stability of their father's drapery shop, while Sophia pursues a romantic and tumultuous life in Paris. The narrative follows their individual development over nearly fifty years, contrasting the quiet domesticity of the Five Towns with the chaotic upheaval of the Franco-Prussian War. Bennett employs a third-person omniscient perspective to examine the logical progression of time and the inevitable decline of the human body. The sisters' lives are constrained by the social expectations of their era and the physical realities of aging.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes Bennett's portrayal of ordinary life. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the sisters' personalities and how their choices lead to vastly different outcomes. Many observers note the effectiveness of the novel's pacing, which mirrors the slow passage of time across decades. The work is often cited for its commitment to realism and its ability to elevate the mundane aspects of existence into a significant narrative. Critics appreciate the balanced perspective that avoids sentimentality while documenting the inevitable decay of the human condition.