Partly a prose homage to the 1970s band Free, this novel chronicles the life of Ally, a young woman with an attitude--and an unfortunate crush on the lead singer of Mr Big. The story opens as a train door closes, and Ally's day-long journey from Aberystwyth to Felixstowe begins. Throughout the tale, the narration moves from present to past as Ally remembers details of her 13-year stay in Aberystwyth.