Based loosely around the life of E. Nesbit, this book follows the various family members of Olive Wellwood's family. Olive is a successful children's literature author and a member of the Fabian Society, an exclusive, radical group of artists who promote socialist political ideals. As a result of her busy lifestyle, she has her sister, Violet, take care of her seven children. Rarely seeing their mother, the Wellwood kids tend to consider Violet their actual mom. They don't benefit from their mom's profession, nor are they the inspiration for her many books. For his part, Humphry Wellwood -- the father -- resents his wife for devoting so much time to her profession.
As time goes on, the Wellwood kids -- Tom, Dorothy, Phyllis, Hedda, Florian, Robin, and Harry -- grow increasingly distant from their parents. Olive and Humphry are fighting a lot. He is a charismatic bank and a major play. In contrast to his numbers-oriented mind, Olive spends her days reading about British Fairy Lore and creating imaginary worlds. They cannot seem to get on the same page about anything, or to even talk to one another. Then Humphry starts having an affair behind Olive's back. The family decides to spend an extended period of time with Humphrey's brother Basil's family in London.
Basil and his wife Katharina have two radically different children. Tom and the others are kind to their cousins, but they really don't get along well. Charles is a radical, head in the clouds type. On the other hand his sister is quiet, studious, and prim. In London Olivia isn't able to write as well as back home, so she begins to pay attention to the family more. She realizes that her own children are afraid of her. About this time she also notices her husband's adulterous habits. She returns to Todefright and throws herself with renewed effort into the Fabian Society and her writing.
