This epic novel is set in New York's Hudson Valley in three time periods: the late 17th century, the 1940s and the 1960s. It follows the interwoven destinies of three families (one Indian family and two Dutch settler families) during this time period. It begins with Walter Van Brunt, a descendant of Dutch yeomen, whose fondness for drugs and alcohol leads to a motorcycle accident in which he loses a foot. This precipitates two journeys: Walter's, as he searches for his lost father, who years before had deserted friends, son and wife; and ours, as we are drawn back through the centuries, and the secrets of the Van Brunts, the Van Warts and the Mohonks are at last revealed. The author has published four previous works of fiction.