Solène Marchand is the protagonist of The Idea of You and most of the novel is told in her voice. An accomplished art gallery owner, Solène Marchand navigates her divorce from her ex-husband Daniel, her tumultuous relationship with her almost teenage daughter Isabelle, and her undeniable attraction to the famous and young Hayes Campbell. Dedicated to her work, Solène thrives on her passion for creating opportunities for contemporary women artists and artists of color. This passion compels Solène to maintain a steadfast commitment to her career alongside her family duties. The balance of her life is disrupted by her instant attraction to and connection with Hayes, a singer in the cult boyband August Moon. This disruption and its consequences create the narrative arc of the novel.

Solène’s character is an exploration of the multiple, often conflicting, demands placed on women by society. Through her, the novel explores women’s personal rights to individuality and sexual pleasure, and the challenges these needs pose to their roles as mothers, (ex-)wives, friends, and businesspeople. In her creation of Solène and her dilemma in a relationship with a younger man, Robinne Lee examines the way society views women, especially as they reach middle age, and what is considered appropriate for them.