After a biking accident in which he lost his leg, Paul is rather depressed. He is about 60 years old and very lonely.
He falls in love with Marijana, his nurse and also with her family. There's is quite a contract between Paul's lonelyness and the fullness of Maijana's life.
Then Elizabeth Costello comes into the story. She seems to be Coetzee's alter ego. And she pushes Paul to finally take charge of his life.