Two friends in their early twenties, Erik and Phillip, dream of becoming writers. Together, they submit their manuscripts to publishers and wait for recognition. Unfortunately, it comes to only one of them. Phillip’s book is accepted, and within a year, he is the young star of Norwegian literature. Meanwhile, Erik, left in his friend’s shadow, struggles to find the strength to keep writing. Both friends suffer in their own ways, and neither believes that this is the fate they deserve.