The book opens in 2019 reflecting back to the 70s when Nate and Anneka spy on their neighbours the Carters with binoculars. Nate is still doing this and Anneka is visiting him. It seems to be implied that they are half brother and sister. Back in 1959 a character called Drummond is befriended by a Carter doing national service. Overall it is a slow start gradually revealing the characters but not gripping.