Aaron Sisson lives a humble life in the English Midlands. He works as a union official for the coal mines, but his real passion is music. As an amateur, but very talented flautist, Aaron dreams of a big career as a beloved musician. Though, with his small community and unglamorous job at the coal mine, this dream seems unattainable. Trapped in an unhappy marriage, and unsatisfied at work, Aaron becomes more and more frustrated with his life. Finally, when he feels that he cannot take it any longer, Aaron abandons his two kids and wife to run away to Italy. As he begins his journey Aaron feels hopeful for the first time in a long time. However, the journey proves to be more trouble than Aaron expected. When he falls ill, he befriends Rawdon Lilly, a cynical writer. After Rawdon nurses Aaron through his sickness, Aaron is free to continue on to Florence. Upon entering a social circle of intellectuals and artists, he experiences a higher level of conversation—discussions about politics,