Summary

Susan’s ex-husband, Edward Sheffield, sends her a letter asking her to read his latest manuscript, entitled Nocturnal Animals. Susan agrees amid all the daily demands she faces, but finds it difficult to start. The idea of reading the manuscript also brings up worry and old memories and causes Susan to reflect on how they loved each other, then hated each other, and how the hate faded over time. She wonders what the novel could be missing for Edward to write to her to ask her to read it. Susan learns that Edward will be visiting Chicago, and she knows he will want to talk about the manuscript. She finally commits to reading.

In the first sitting, with her second husband Arnold on a business trip, Susan seeks to read the manuscript, but she still feels worried for some unknown reason. She finally begins...