A Stargate between Earth and a distant planet named Qita is found. Earth sends an invasion fleet, but the Qitans step aside peacefully to let the humans explore their planet and mine its resources. In the aftermath, a human woman and Qitan man start a pub on earth, in an area of England that has shunned modern technology and Qitan influence. They clearly love each other, but they also remain firmly separate. This is a strange story of lonely people who struggle for both belonging and for isolation. There's also a surreal element that creeps into the story and becomes central. I'm not sure this is a book for everyone, but I enjoyed it.