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Set in the early 50s, Americans are still suffering the aftereffects of World War Two. Nine years old Ted Cutrell lost his father during the Normandy Invasion and now lives alone with his mother, Thelma, on his father's farm in rural Georgia. He is befriended by another World War Two veteran, a huge man horribly disfigured by burns all over his head. Ted struggles with a need for a father figure which "Pops," the disfigured veteran, provides. Pops teaches Ted about repairing motorcycles but proves to be more than a father figure. The man seems to be courting Ted's mother but also seems to suddenly act very strangely, disappearing for long stretches of time. Could it be mental scars from the war? Ted's mother Thelma is determined to find out and takes Ted with her to search for him. Along the way, Ted learns more about himself and his mother, but more importantly, what kind of man his real father actually was.
The plot of the novel is a seemingly simple tale of a man and woman wounded by the ravages of World War Two and the young man who depends on them. Themes of secrecy, lies, hidden agendas, and heroism emerge as the reality hidden behind appearances becomes clear. The cast of characters is a colorful mix of Georgia mountain country folks, more "civilized" farmers from Georgia (who have access to schools), and New Orleans high society. The author weaves a vivid picture of a bygone era when electricity was still unknown in some places, moonshiners and outhouses dotted the landscape, and eggs were still sold directly to grocery stores. She renders Georgia mountain dialects, along with Cajun and Creole voices, with a passion for realism. It is artfully told from the charming viewpoint of a young southern farm boy who comes of age in a whirlwind of postwar reconciliation and healing.