This novel tells the story of Alfie Budd, a man who once believed he had found true love, only to lose it and be convinced he’ll never get a second chance. Returning to England after the death of his wife, Alfie immerses himself in a series of hollow affairs and tries to learn Tai Chi from an elderly mentor. Through laughter and tears, the book explores the complexities of love, loss, meaningful relationships, and the struggle to rebuild life after tragedy. It’s written with emotional depth, humour, and social insight — typical of Parsons’s style