Chief Shell engineer Jaap Van Ballegooijen is passionate about saving the world's energy resources. Whilst under stress working in the south east Asia oil fields, he struggles to solve the problem of leaving "Undrillable" oil behind. Under the increasing pressure from a local reporter, Jaap returns to his teenage son in Amsterdam who ultimately shows that, even with the biggest problems, inspiration can come from the most unlikely places.

The Spijkerbergs are an absurdly rich family, but they are also richly absurd. The father – a foolish, hotshot financier – collects miniature dioramas of historical atrocities as a hobby. Mother is a has-been prima donna fighting against the vagaries of age and fame. Inheriting their privilege and casual cruelty is daughter Amy, a rebellious if somewhat insular teenager longing to break out of her gilded cage. To gain a semblance of control over her cocooned existence, Amy produces an autobiographical mock-Kabuki performance that parodies her family.

Albert has always looked up to his aunt Tiny: this beautiful woman from Brabant can make any man’s heart skip a beat. Through Albert’s eyes Tiny’s life seems quite exciting. But why is she so furious at everyone and everything? It takes him half a lifetime to discover that his beloved aunt’s existence is a lot more complex than he had ever thought.