In the ruins of suburbia everyone is just trying to grow and preserve some veggies, catch a fish or deer or two, avoid government officials and their eviction notices, and keep up with the local goss. Meanwhile, Anton, a specialist in birdsong, arrives hoping to conduct research in the surrounding hills. His project is regarded with ire or indifference by all except Tim, a weird loner living in the bush, whose speech is odd and behaviour odder.

An unlikely trio of young men are forced to work together to achieve their different goals in a postearthquake world. They battle against and work with nature, the officious community board and their absurd proclamations, and a community of hardcase characters.