This novel follows the journey of an Irish-American man who, after studying in Ireland, returns to New York City to claim his deceased father's ashes. The narrative weaves through his experiences and encounters in a post-war America, blending humor with melancholy as he navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and identity. Set against the backdrop of a bustling and unforgiving New York, the protagonist's quest for meaning and belonging unfolds in a series of misadventures and reflections, capturing the essence of the immigrant experience and the search for personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.

The 4089th greatest book of all time