The novel opens with the
premiere of The Giant, a modern
opera performed at the newly opened London National Opera House. The work divides its audience, but the critic Carl Bowerman recognizes its originality and concludes that its
composer, known publicly as Boris Groen, must be English. He remarks that Groen is the natural successor to the composer Vernon Deyre, believed to have been killed during the
First World War. Sebastian Levinne, the opera house's owner, declines to discuss Groen's identity. The narrative then recounts Vernon Deyre's life. Vernon grows up at Abbots Puisannts, his family's country estate, during the late
Victorian period. His childhood is solitary and shaped by emotional distance within his family. He shows an early sensitivity to sound but initially develops an aversion to music. Over time, he forms friendships with Joe and Nell Vereker, a local girl who becomes emotionally important to him. As a young man, Vernon befriends Sebastian Levinne, whose wealth and interest in the arts provide Vernon with opportunities he otherwise lacks. Financial difficulties prevent Vernon from reclaiming his family home, and he briefly works in his uncle's manufacturing firm. After attending a concert, he overcomes his hostility toward music and decides to pursue composition. His ambitions complicate his relationship with Nell, whom he loves but hesitates to marry because of financial insecurity. Vernon is introduced to Jane Harding, a professional singer who encourages his musical development. He leaves his uncle's firm to focus on composing, while Nell, seeking security, becomes engaged elsewhere. Vernon completes his first major work, which Sebastian produces and which receives favorable attention. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, Vernon and Nell reconcile briefly and marry before he enlists. Vernon is later reported killed in action. Believing him dead, Nell eventually marries George Chetwynd, a wealthy acquaintance who acquires Abbots Puisannts. In reality, Vernon survives after escaping from a
prisoner-of-war camp but suffers memory loss following an accident. Unaware of his past, he lives under an assumed identity and works as a
chauffeur. Several years later, coincidences bring Vernon back into contact with figures from his former life. Jane and Sebastian recognize him and arrange medical care, enabling him to recover his memory. Vernon hopes to resume his former life, but misunderstandings and secrecy prevent reconciliation. He leaves England with Jane and resumes his musical career abroad. After events that permanently sever his personal relationships, Vernon devotes himself entirely to
composition. He completes The Giant, achieving artistic success while remaining personally isolated. The novel returns to its opening scene, revealing that the acclaimed composer Boris Groen is Vernon himself. He chooses to remain officially dead, allowing his work to stand apart from his personal history. ==Literary significance and reception==