The style of the book is quite phlegmatic, but it never turns into annoying irony, the reader finds sympathy in the main character, who suffers from misfortune in addition to his knee problem.
His only problem seems to be an “internal knee disorder,” but a midlife crisis ensues and he discovers the stress of not being happy.
The novel divided into four parts. The first part is like a journal, the second part with dramatic monologues, the third part consists of journal entries and memories, and the fourth part is a narrative written after the events and Passmore’s return to London.
The dramatic monologues seem to present Passmore’s exterior, but later the reader discovers that the monologues were written by him, which destroys the objectivity of the passage. The reader cannot escape Passmore’s perspective, but reads everything through his eyes.
In the third part, the reader is presented with memories of his first love and his first girlfriend, Maureen. Writing their story, Passmore realizes what his problem is: he cheated on Maureen and has regretted it ever since.
The fourth part was written by Passmore looking back on the events. He tells of his trip to Spain, where he searches for Maureen on the Way of St. James. It is there that Passmore comes to terms with his problems and finds peace.
Her familiar doses of cognitive therapy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture do nothing, and she becomes addicted to Kierkegaard’s philosophy.
Additionally, Tubby goes on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela to find his first love, as he is referred to by several characters in the novel due to Passmore’s nickname.