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