The novel opens with Ray Hanrahan, the self-centered, egotistical patriarch of the family, who is an artist with delusions of brilliance but who is past his prime. His most famous paintings were from the 1970s, however, after a long period of inactivity he is planning his first art show in decades. Ray is controlling of his family, often manipulating them to his will or imposing requirements of unconditional loyalty from them. Ray's wife Lucia, also an artist (a sculptor), had deprioritized her own art career to raise their three children and support her husband in his career. However, when Lucia's agent contacts her regarding an offer to showcase her works at the Venice Biennale, Lucia is vacillating regarding the opportunity. She has reservations regarding the art exhibit as she does not want to anger her husband. Ray is having an affair with his doctor and Lucia is also having an affair with a member of parliament, Priya, who is also married.
The narrative also delves into the lives of the couple's three adult children. Lucia's eldest son, from a previous relationship, is Patrick (nicknamed "Patch"). Patch, who is Ray's stepson, is maladjusted and unable to form personal relationships nor hold a steady job. Repressed due to his controlling stepfather, he lives on a caravan on the family property and helps with upkeep of the house. Leah, the middle daughter, is unquestionably devoted to her father and assists with his bidding. And Jess, the youngest daughter, is living with her boyfriend in Edinburgh. Jess is pregnant with their child, but she is unsure about her love to her boyfriend.