The novel begins with a committee in the final stages of selecting the design for the 9/11 Twin Towers memorial. It is chaired by Paul Rubin, a cultured banker. He has arranged this last meeting for the final decision, a historic occasion in a luxurious hotel where the group sits and eats as they make their final arguments.

The 12 committee members consist of an artist, Ariana Montagu; a representative assigned by the mayor; one assigned by the governor; and Claire Burwell, who represents the families of the victims. The main argument occurs between Claire, the wife of one of the victims, and Ariana, the artist. Claire strongly feels that the “Garden” entry should be chosen because it represents life and nature. She also believes that she speaks on behalf of the other families of the victims. She actively solicits support from other members of the committee.

Ariana, however, speaks with more artistic authority than Claire, and she strongly advocates an entry known as “The Void,” which she describes as more raw and visceral than the Garden. She believes that “The Void” is a piece that would stand the test of time. Claire, who sees the Void as an abstraction, wonders if Ariana might know its designer.