In a humorous tale about a serious problem, four plumbers in the town of Llewellyn, NC – Tony, Willie, Ricky, and Elen – often face rude treatment from their customers. Tired and discouraged, the plumbers are persuaded by a friend to seek relief at a mountaintop retreat center. But instead of finding peace, the four friends encounter the unexpected. “The center,” as it is called, is both opulent and a little mysterious. Its staff of counselors and scholars seem kind and caring yet somehow know more about the plumbers than do the plumbers themselves. The four friends find their every assumption is being challenged, as the center’s staff encourage them to think differently about themselves and the world around them.

So, what do four plumbers have to do with disgruntled customers, wounded veterans, climate change, race relations, corruption, ethical duties, labor unions, amnesia, the purpose of prayer, and the importance of respect? It’s all made clear in The Plumbers’ Retreat.