When 9-year-old Tom is saved from icy death by a man who disappears into the night, the story captures public attention. But days pass and the mystery deepens until Tom's mother, Sara, begins to fear she may never thank her son's rescuer, and worse: that Tom will go on believing that he was saved by the spirit of his dead father. When she eventually meets the rescuer, Owen, her gratitude soon gives way to anger, for he has a poor opinion of his impulsive act. By then, however, thanks to the media, their names are inextricably linked. As Christmas approaches, Sara wonders why so generous a man is so alone, while Owen grapples with the knowledge that Sara dislikes the best thing about him. Owen's Day explores giving and receiving, and the value of risk-taking as a catalyst for human progress.