Lydia Stanfield faces a crisis of identity and marital stability when her physical disability and her husband's wandering eye threaten to dissolve their long-standing union. Lydia, confined to a wheelchair, struggles to maintain her connection to her husband, Ivan, a world-famous musician whose vitality and charm attract constant attention from other women. The narrative follows her internal conflict as she navigates feelings of inadequacy and jealousy while observing the unhappiness of her family members. The story examines the power dynamics within a marriage defined by long-term infidelity and the potential for personal transformation through the recognition of others' suffering.

Readers often note that this work deviates significantly from the author's typical formulaic romance style. Discussion frequently centers on the unconventional nature of the protagonist's marriage and her passive acceptance of her husband's extramarital affairs. Critics highlight the somber tone and the lack of traditional romantic resolution, which often surprises long-time fans of the author's bibliography. Many readers find the character dynamics challenging, as the narrative focuses more on the protagonist's internal struggle than on a conventional path to happiness.