In 1986, Parker Griffon, 31, a physicist launching a software startup in Munich, lives by the conviction that love is a myth. He meets Vivian Falkenberg, 25, a brilliant German-Argentine linguist determined not to repeat the pattern of women in her family who become dependent on men only to be betrayed. Their relationship begins as teacher and student, transitions to Vivian mentoring Parker through the complexities of European business, and eventually becomes romantic. Through it all, they both agree: careers first, no commitment.

When Parker must move back to Silicon Valley, the conflict between their ambitions and their bond reaches a breaking point. Prodded by a friend’s warning about the brevity of life, they choose a third way: they put their careers on hold for a year-long backpacking journey from Cairo to Cape Town.

In Africa, Vivian’s natural charisma creates personal connections with whomever she meets, and her linguistic abilities help them navigate Africa’s varied cultures. At the same time, Parker’s impetuousness moves them forward, often putting them in danger.

In Malawi, exhausted by the travel and unsure of their future as a couple, Vivian demands two weeks apart. Alone, living out of a tent and with less than $100, she contracts malaria. While fighting the debilitating symptoms and facing possible death in isolation, she realizes the cost of her independence.