Ron Read is 58 and is in serious trouble. Scans and tests reveal he has had a heart attack and his heart is in very bad shape. His Doctor, Doctor Deschanel sends him to a major Brisbane hospital for tests. This results in him having a quadruple bypass operation. The novel traces his story from diagnosis, through open heart surgery to his recovery and his meeting with someone who didn't win a prize at the local agricultural show because his chokos had their little tongues hanging out.