A fringe group of Québécois radicals plan a violent geopolitical coup. Various residents of the Boston area reach "rock bottom" with their substance abuse problems, and enter a residential drug and alcohol recovery program where they progress in recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Students train and study at an elite tennis academy run by James and Avril Incandenza, and Avril's adopted brother Charles Tavis. The history of the Incandenza family unfolds, focusing on the youngest son, Hal.
