No one knew why Robin abandoned a brilliant university career to start a new life at an eccentric island monastery, but it was thought to have something to do with the surprise engagement of Candida, Robin's childhood playmate, and Jake, their mutual friend. Eight years later, Robin's return to the less spiritual world of London in the late 1980s has far-reaching effects. Much has changed: his father has left the City to run a progressive kindergarten in Clapham; Candida is now a household name as a presenter on breakfast television; and Jake is a successful advertising executive. And when Robin falls in love at the christening of Candida's baby, he has littles idea of how extraordinary the consequences will be.