The Maytrees

On a sliver of Cape Cod, Toby and Lou Maytree meet, marry, and have a child. He's a poet, she paints a bit and thinks a lot. After 14 years he leaves and makes a new life in Maine with their friend, Deary. Twenty years pass: Deary's heart begins to fail, Toby breaks his arms, and they return to Cape Cod, where Lou and son Pete take care of them.

Dillard is a miniaturist, taking note of details and using them to evoke creation's beauty and explore the meaning of life, forgiveness, and contentment.