A concise biography that follows her journey from childhood in New Zealand to her expatriate life in Europe, exploring the personal relationships, artistic struggles and tuberculosis that shaped her brief but influential career; it situates her modernist innovations in the short story—impressionistic detail, psychological insight and subtle social critique—within the context of her friendships, love affairs and public reception, and offers an assessment of her literary legacy and continuing influence on 20th-century fiction.

The book is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author's journey from being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in her early twenties to her eventual recovery and quest for meaning beyond survival. It explores the emotional and physical challenges she faces during her treatment, the impact on her relationships, and her struggle to redefine her identity after cancer. As she embarks on a cross-country road trip, she seeks to connect with others who have experienced similar life-altering events, ultimately discovering resilience, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose in the space between illness and health.

Libby Weeks is the secretive author behind the popular fantasy series, "The Falling Children," known to her readers as F.T. Goldhero. As she struggles to complete the final book, Libby faces a personal crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Her condition worsens, leading to moments of forgetfulness and anxiety. In a bid to finish her series, Libby enlists the help of Peanut Bixton, an eleven-year-old fan who knows her work inside out but carries her own hidden burdens. Together, they navigate the challenges of Libby's illness, leading to a poignant and unexpected resolution.