Set in the Mississippi Delta in the 1920s, the novel revolves around the Fairchild family as they prepare for the wedding of their daughter Dabney. Through the eyes of a young cousin, Laura McRaven, who is visiting the Fairchilds' sprawling plantation, the narrative delves into the complex dynamics of Southern family life, revealing the intricate relationships, traditions, and social expectations that bind the family members. The story unfolds in a richly detailed and atmospheric setting, capturing the rhythms of Southern speech and the lush, oppressive heat of the Delta, while exploring themes of belonging, change, and the powerful ties of family and community.

The novel is a reflective account of the life of Harry Pulham, a middle-aged, conventional Bostonian who is prompted to examine his past and the choices he has made during the process of writing a Harvard class reunion biography. As he delves into his memories, he confronts his youthful ambitions, his experiences in World War I, and his complex relationships, particularly with a vivacious woman who challenged the conservative values of his upbringing. Through this introspection, Harry grapples with the realization that he has conformed to societal expectations at the expense of his own happiness, leading to a poignant exploration of the conflict between individual desires and societal pressures in early 20th-century America.

This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.