It largely consists of the description of a period in the later life of the main character, ageing London author Bradley Pearson, during which time he falls in love with the daughter of a friend and literary rival, Arnold Baffin. For years Bradley has had a tense but strong relationship with Arnold, regarding himself as having 'discovered' the younger writer. The tension is ostensibly over Bradley's distaste for Arnold's lack of proper literary credentials, though later the other characters claim this to be a matter of jealousy or the product of an Oedipus complex.
This novel depicts the latter part of Bradley Pearson's life as a London writer, where he falls in love with the daughter of his friend and literary rival, Arnold Baffin.  The narrative delves into their complicated dynamic, which is rooted in both professional competition and personal feelings.