On the threshold of sixty, the main character of Die vrou met nege lewens struggles to find peace within herself. The only constant is her care of cats, which runs like a thread through her life.

Unsatisfied with her work, the people closest to her, and especially herself, she goes on a search for meaning. This leads to long meditations, swimming in the sea, yoga, and even psychedelic journeys, with far-reaching consequences.

Then a health shock makes her search all the more urgent . . .