John Clare's and Robert's Lowell's incarcerations in theNorthampton Lunatic Asylum unfold in alternate chapters that track theirattempts to navigate confinement, forge alliances, and understand the dangersaround them. Clare petitions for release while pretending to be various boxers.His secret memoir falls into Lowell's hands and Lowell understands the natureof the evil Clare faced, and which has resurfaced in his own time. With fellowpatient Sarah Baxter he gathers evidence against a violent nurse whose actionsecho events from Clare's era. Clare dies, finding a final moment of peace;Lowell is discharged to face an uncertain future.
