Bell constructs his novel like a jazz piece consisting of two major movements: "The Storytelling Stone" introduces the individual characters and, through them, the major motifs of the novel; then "The Garden of Souls" ties together all the separate motifs and builds to the conclusion — i.e., the final dissolution of the ensemble.

Within each of the major sections the narrative is presented through a series of separate voices, each of which contributes one of the novel's motifs. In "The Storytelling Stone" Johnny B. Goode opens the narrative with the account of what appears to be a typical evening. He explains his business philosophy and procedures, but his account is interrupted by the arrival of Porco Miserio, who feels compelled to show him the stone and describe its powers. At this point Johnny fades into the background as — presumably impelled by the stone — Holy Mother...