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.

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 insightful work explores the dramatic shift in the global landscape of Christianity, highlighting the rapid growth of the faith in the Global South, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It examines the implications of this demographic transformation for the future of Christianity, suggesting that the center of gravity for the religion is moving away from the Western world. The analysis delves into the cultural, social, and political factors driving this change, offering a thought-provoking perspective on how these emerging Christian communities might shape the global religious and geopolitical landscape in the coming decades.

The novel weaves together three interconnected narratives spanning over two millennia, exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and the cyclical nature of history. Set in Belize, the story follows characters from different eras: a young Mayan king in 1012, a modern-day American teenager in 2012, and a futuristic society in 3012. As their lives intersect across time, the characters grapple with existential questions and the search for meaning, ultimately revealing the profound connections between past, present, and future. Through its richly imagined world and complex characters, the book delves into the enduring human quest for belonging and understanding.