The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Heti, Sheila. Pure Colour. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022.

Sheila Heti's novel is written from the third person point of view and employs both the past and present tenses. The novel subverts and deforms traditional notions of structure, plot, point of view, and language throughout. The following summary adheres to a more conventional and linear mode of explanation.

When God created the world, he saw it as a work of art. After he finished, he stepped back to admire his canvas. Because God values aesthetic over everything else, he made mistakes with this first draft of the universe.

In his first draft, a young girl named Mira finds herself trapped between her love for her father and her love for an enigmatic woman named Annie. As a child, Mira's father defined her understanding of love, truth, and beauty. He not only protected her, but taught her about the world's wonders and mysteries. Despite how much she loved her father, Mira became eager to leave home and start a life of her own. It was difficult for Mira's father to part with his daughter. He had always encouraged her to go out into and explore the world. What he really wanted, however, was for Mira to stay by his side forever.

Mira finally left home. Interested in becoming an art critic, she began attending the American Academy of American Critics. She found a small apartment and a job at a local lamp store. Though she was often alone, she did not mind her loneliness, as it gave her time to think and question.

Mira made friends with her classmates, including Matty and Annie. Mira was especially intrigued by Annie because she was an orphan. Her life seemed so free and independent. The more time she spent with Annie, the more strongly Mira felt for her. She had never experienced love of this kind.

Not long later, Mira's father fell ill. Mira traveled home to be with him. Previously, she avoided returning home because she had ceased being able to navigate their confusing dynamic. While lying on his deathbed with him, Mira regretted ever having avoided him. Following his death, his spirit entered Mira's body and she felt comforted and at peace.

With time, Mira's grief and pain increased. She had no interest in returning to her life. She stopped caring about herself. One day while walking near the lake, she inadvertently entered a nearby leaf. She discovered her father's spirit was in the leaf, too. Although confining, the leaf was more tolerable than life outside the leaf without her father.

When Mira saw Annie under the tree with another woman, she became desperate to leave the leaf. Annie eventually delivered her. Not long afterwards, Annie moved away and started working as a therapist. Mira tried to reconnect with her and discourage her work. Annie argued that Mira was simply adhering to her father's beliefs and not thinking for herself. Mira eventually realized Annie was right. With time, she pursued a new life for herself.

When Mira was on her deathbed, Annie returned to her side. Lying in Annie's embrace contented Mira.