Summary

The first chapter, “A Conversation About Rain,” begins 19 years before the rest of the novel takes place, in Bedford, England. Fourteen-year-old Nora is playing chess with the school librarian, Mrs Elm. Nora quit swimming recently, in which she had a very promising career. Mrs Elm reassures Nora that her future is bright regardless, that she can become whatever she wishes when she grows up. The chapter ends with Mrs Elm leaving to pick up a phone call. It is later revealed that this phone call informed her of the sudden death of Nora’s father.

The second chapter, “The Man at the Door,” brings us to the present moment. Nora is 35 years old and still lives in Bedford. It is nighttime. She is sitting at home, contemplating her lonely life when someone knocks on her door. It...