Set in the 1950s in Belize, then a British colony, the novel follows the life of Beka Lamb, a young girl from a Creole family who is grappling with the complexities of adolescence. As Beka navigates the challenges of school, family, and friendships, she also witnesses the political upheaval and the fight for independence in her country. The story intertwines Beka's personal growth and maturation with the broader social and political changes taking place, highlighting themes of colonialism, race, and identity. Through her relationship with her friend Toycie and her own family dynamics, Beka learns valuable lessons about responsibility, resilience, and the importance of community.

This novel follows the journey of Ray Midge as he embarks on a quest to retrieve his stolen Ford Torino and his runaway wife, Norma, who has fled with her first husband, Guy Dupree. Midge's pursuit leads him from Little Rock, Arkansas, down into Mexico and Central America, encountering a cast of eccentric characters along the way, including a dubious doctor, a philosophical mechanic, and a civil war enthusiast. Through a blend of humor and adventure, the narrative delves into themes of obsession, redemption, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of the 1970s American South and the vibrant, yet tumultuous landscapes of Central America.