It centres on the engagement of popular politician Paddy de Courcy and the impact this has on the women in his life.

[1] The main characters are: Paddy de Courcy, a charismatic politician; Lola Daly, a stylist; Grace Gildee, a journalist; Marnie Hunter, Grace's alcoholic sister; and Alicia Thornton, Paddy's fiancée.

The story is told predominantly from the viewpoints of the first three, although there are occasional sections from Alicia's point of view.

Marnie, who was Paddy's high school girlfriend and still has feelings for him, is an alcoholic and eventually loses her job, husband and children; her sister Grace attempts to help Marnie, get an interview with Lola, and hide her relationship with Paddy from her partner Damien.

[2] Her storytelling ability and the candour of her approach have been commended, while the novel is considered to be a testament to the strength women find in themselves in response to tough times.