A Dance to the Music of Time

Nicholas Jenkins regales his married lover, Jean, with tales of his school days in the early 1920s, including his enduring friendships with Jean's suave older brother.

As Nicholas Jenkins and his friends enter their 30s, marriages begin to crumble, new love blossoms, and the youthful optimism of their younger days fades away.

With World War II under way, Nicholas must leave a pregnant Isobel behind when he enlists. Widmerpool uses his connections to rise through the ranks, taking Nicholas along with him.

The war becomes a distant memory as the 1960s take off. Nicholas and Isobel have moved to the country. There they encounter Scorp Murtlock, a charismatic mystic who has taken up with their young niece.