Summary

The novel begins with Toby, the narrator, reflecting on how lucky he is to be essentially average, having escaped the major misfortunes which seem to trouble most people (e.g. abuse, cheating partners, etc). Toby considers himself especially lucky to have had the “Ivy House,” which is not further explained. He mentions having called his cousins, Susanna and Leon, to talk about the Ivy House. Susanna encouraged him to drop it, while Leon hung up the phone.

The narration then jumps to “That night” (9), a fateful turning point, narrated in the past tense. The night takes place on a Friday in April, the “first day that had really felt like spring” (10). Toby is at a pub with his high school friends Declan and Sean. The three of them talk about a beautiful woman who signals her interest in Toby, although he does not approach...