The novel revolves around a family, primarily centered on the character Isabel, her husband Dan, their two children Nathan and Violet, and Isabel’s younger brother Robbie. The story takes place on April 5th of three consecutive years, starting in 2019 before the onset of COVID-19.
Isabel is a journalist whose career has stagnated, leaving her feeling depressed and trapped in her life. Despite her unhappiness, she remains committed to Dan, her ex-musician husband, and her two children. Robbie, her brother, lives in the attic of their Brooklyn apartment and is also dissatisfied with his work and love life. He is highly sensitive and aware of Isabel’s unhappiness and desire to escape. In an attempt to make things easier for her, Robbie starts looking for his own apartment, causing Isabel to grapple with guilt and sadness.
Dan, who was once a successful musician, chose to give up his career for marriage and has since been a house husband. Isabel realizes she no longer loves Dan, and he, in turn, is trying to rekindle her attraction by getting back into songwriting. Despite their emotional distance, Dan remains a steady presence in the family, particularly for their son Nathan, and Robbie, who share a close bond.
Robbie is gay and has experienced a series of unsatisfying relationships. The ideal road trip he once took with Dan when he was 17 has set an impossibly high standard for his expectations in a partner. There is an emotional connection between Robbie and Dan, which affects Isabel and Dan’s deteriorating relationship. Robbie maintains an Instagram alter ego named Wolfe, who portrays the life he wishes he could have. Wolfe was once an imaginary friend shared by Isabel and Robbie as children, and Isabel follows Wolfe’s account to understand Robbie’s feelings.
The story introduces Dan’s brother, Garth, an artist who moves between relationships and has donated sperm to his lesbian friend, Chess, who has a child named Odin. Garth helps care for Odin but is uncertain of his role in the child’s life. Chess is contemplating cutting Garth out of their lives.
In the second section, set in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic arrives. Robbie initially moves out as planned but ends up traveling and self-isolating in Iceland. Isabel is unable to leave her job or Dan due to the dire COVID situation. She takes over Robbie’s “Wolfe” persona on social media, as he is out of contact and can only send occasional texts. Robbie’s time in Iceland, though narratively less compelling and less believable, stretches out.
During the pandemic, Dan, who is supervising the children’s education, gains fame as a musician and enjoys a resurgence in his career. Chess decides to move to Berkeley with Odin and cut Garth out of their lives entirely.
In the 2021 timeline, Robbie contracts an illness, possibly COVID, and dies due to his weak heart. Isabel leaves Dan and moves to a house in upstate New York. Nathan blames himself for Robbie’s death and engages in self-harm, believing it’s his fault. Violet claims to see Robbie’s presence and feels he’s haunting the family, leading to concerns about her mental health. Nathan enters adolescence, struggling with guilt and depression, and begins therapy.
Chess informs Garth about her move to Berkeley, and Garth’s art career takes off, with his work featured in a group show at the Whitney Museum. Dan visits the upstate house for Robbie’s memorial and confesses to Isabel that Robbie was the love of his life. They acknowledge the impact Robbie had on their relationship.
Violet claims to see Robbie continuously, and the novel suggests that he is indeed haunting the family, though he disappears when his ashes are spread. Nathan contemplates suicide but is rescued by Garth, who arrives for Robbie’s memorial. Garth decides to let Chess and Odin go and focus on being part of the family he has now.
Isabel closes the “Wolfe” social media account she had maintained on Robbie’s behalf, realizing she needs to return to the city and rebuild her life.