Jack Burns

Jack Burns is the central character in the novel, which traces his life from childhood to adulthood. As a young boy, Jack is told by his mother that his father abandoned them, leaving them to fend for themselves. At the age of four, Jack's mother takes him with her on what she says is a search for his lost father. They travel through Northern Europe, always seemingly one step behind Jack's father. He is then brought to Toronto, where he is sent to a girls' school that has started accepting boys. Jack shows a talent for acting at a young age and participates in school dramas through college.

After college, Jack goes to California and lives with his stepsister, Emma Oastler, who is a writer. He manages to make his way into movies and becomes very successful. He feels at loose ends in California, however, and uncertain...