The narrative follows Leon, a Jewish immigrant from Brooklyn, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after dropping out of high school. His travels take him across various iconic American locations, including Florida, the Catskills, and California. As a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Leon experiences life at sea, narrowly escaping a pivotal moment in history just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, which adds a layer of tension and historical significance to his story.
