The novel tells the story of a man whose son has recently died, whose marriage seems to be about to die, as well. When he meets a young woman, and begins a relationship with her, he has to decide if he should try to go back to his wife.
The novel was later made into a movie in 1988 It stars William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davis, David Ogden Stiers, Ed Begley Jr and Bill Pullman. The movie was adapted by Frank Galati and Lawrence Kasdan. It was directed by Kasdan.
It won the Academy Award for Best Actress (Geena Davis), and was nominated for Best Music, Original Score, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.