In the spring of 1957, Duluoz decides it's time to go back to Europe. On the ship, Duluoz is shunned for his inappropriate attire of jeans and a flannel shirt while others were in semi-formal clothes at dinner. Afraid of tarnishing the overall appearance of the dining room, Duluoz is relegated to the corner of the room where he eats dinner with three elderly Dutch schoolteachers and a 22 year old-girl strung out on speed. Duluoz is insulted but would rather eat in the galley, anyway.
It's back to New York for Duluoz. Soon after arriving, he heads south to retrieve his mother. With the assistance of the publisher's stipend, Duluoz can afford to move with his mother.....
