The novel begins with an epigraph: “‘Music is the silence between the notes.’ Claude Debussy”

The story utilizes multiple points of view and interweaves two progressing narratives, one beginning weeks after the climactic events of the barbecue, and the other beginning the morning of the barbecue.

In the present-day story, the characters are trying to cope with how the events of the barbecue have adversely changed their lives. It has been raining relentlessly in Sydney since the night of the barbecue.

Clementine is a cellist and attempts to prepare for an important audition. However, she diverts time from her preparation to give lectures at community centers about her experience. Her friend from childhood, Erika, comes to one of these talks. Erika had asked Clementine an important question at the barbecue and intends to ask Clementine for the answer. Before Erika can question Clementine, Erika has a panic attack and leaves. She is distressed about the gaps in her memory from that night. On her way home, her cabdriver adamantly insists that the record-breaking rainfall is the result of La Niña, not the result of climate change.