This novel chronicles the story of Ethan Hawley, whose family has recently lost its earlier fortune. Currently, he is working at a grocery store and spends his free time thinking about his family's change of circumstances.
Ethan grows tired of his new reality and begins to come up with ways to get his fortune back. He creates a number of schemes to get his fortune back, including robbing a bank. However, this doesn't work out and Ethan instead plots against the owner of the grocery store he works at, telling the authorities that he is an illegal immigrant. The owner is forced to leave the country but gives Ethan the store as a parting gift. In another dubious scheme, Ethan also inherits land from his alcoholic friend, Danny.
Slowly, Ethan begins to regain his fortune. However, due to his immoral actions, he feels guilty and remorseful. Becoming depressed, he decides to kill himself, but after an interaction with his daughter, he decides against it.
