The story explores how Toby, as the abandoned spouse, creates a narrative of his ex-wife Rachel as self-centered and career-obsessed, but this facade gradually crumbles, raising questions about how we construct our own truths to cope with loss and disappointment.

Toby faces the unexpected challenge of single parenthood, dealing with his children's (Solly and Hannah) packed schedules, reflecting a society where even children are subject to pressure and self-optimization.

The novel examines modern relationships through Toby's experiences with dating apps, highlighting the superficiality and transient nature of digital connections, and the isolation people feel despite digital connectivity.