Hallam Foe is a teenage loner who resides on his father Julius’ vast estate near Peebles. His fascination lies in observing people from his tree house, captivated by their lives. Hallam’s world is clouded by the belief that his stepmother, Verity, played a role in his mother’s tragic drowning two years prior.
When Hallam’s sister Lucy departs for university, pressure mounts for him to follow suit. However, Hallam’s distrust of Verity keeps him rooted in his current environment. Manipulating his personal diaries, Verity coerces Hallam into departing the estate, a maneuver that propels him to embark on a journey to Edinburgh.
Arriving in Edinburgh, Hallam encounters Kate, an employee at the Balmoral Hotel. Drawn to Kate’s resemblance to his late mother, Hallam secures a job as a kitchen porter at the hotel. His quarters in the clock tower afford a vantage point from which he can observe Kate, unraveling a web of secrets within the hotel’s staff.
As Hallam delves deeper into the lives of the hotel employees, he uncovers an illicit affair involving Kate and a senior staff member, Alasdair. Attempting to leverage this knowledge, Hallam faces consequences that ultimately lead to a complex relationship with Kate.
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Through nuanced interactions with Kate, Hallam confronts his unresolved grief and complex emotions surrounding his mother’s passing. As their relationship evolves, Hallam navigates through moments of vulnerability and introspection, leading to a transformative catharsis.
Ultimately, a confrontation with his father and stepmother prompts a realization within Hallam. The revelation of past truths and the acceptance of his own emotional burdens allow Hallam to confront his innermost demons and embrace a newfound sense of peace.