The novel revolves around Edwin Fisher, a lecturer who takes a holiday at a seaside resort. The work takes place entirely within the mind of Fisher, with much of the book's development dealing with the painful realities of Fisher's mind and life.
In 2006, The Times re-submitted the opening chapter of the novel (along with fellow Booker winner In a Free State, by V. S. Naipaul) to 20 literary agents and publishers. Only one agent accepted Holiday, while Naipaul's novel was rejected by every house to which it was sent.