Here Simenon analyzes the effect of a stroke on a man in the prime of his life. Rene Maugras has risen from obscurity to publisher of a highly influential Paris newspaper. Then suddenly he finds himself in a Paris hospital, speechless and paralyzed, yet surprisingly clear of mind. For the first time in his life he is forced to reflect.

As Simenon charts the stages of illness and recovery, we feel our perspectives alter with Maugras.