Hull 1955; Philip Larkin arrives at Hull University to take up the post of Head Librarian. His love affair with Monica Jones is already five years old and, with the publication of "The Less Deceived", he is about to be catapulted into the public eye. Moreover, Larkin is terrified of the extra commitment she wants. In response, he begins a secret affair with one of his library staff, Maeve Brennan. While this relationship draws form Larkin some of his most romantic insights, it flounders on Maeve's Catholic faith; she doesn't believe in sex before marriage.