Saul Bellow, the great American Nobel laureate, tells an ironic, anecdotal story filled with often dark humor about a lifelong love that only comes to fruition in advanced age. Harry Trellman, a successful art dealer in Chicago, has been a keen observer, attentive listener, and intelligent analyst throughout his life. However, he has a significant weakness: he cannot express his feelings and struggles to commit. Harry, who moves in the circles of Chicago's moneyed aristocracy, is called into the brain trust of the ancient billionaire Adletzky. With the wisdom of an old man who has withdrawn from daily affairs, Adletzky sees beyond Harry's facade. He skillfully brings Harry together with the woman he has loved since his school days and with whom he has always maintained a mental connection. She could not and did not want to afford to wait for Harry.