The literary precedents noted for the Prince of Tides also apply to this novel, and the Prince of Tides itself may be included as a precedent. All of the familiar Conroy characters and issues are present. Due to the autobiographical nature of Conroy's novels, each one seems to pick up where the previous novel leaves off in terms of themes and the slowly changing ideas of the narrator. An example would be this narrator's gentler attitude toward his mother as she moves toward death. Again, readers will note even more strongly in this novel than in Prince of Tides the use of many elements of the traditional quest story, listed above. A close examination of, for instance, Homer's Odyssey reveals Odysseus (or Ulysses) involved in a sea voyage, both to escape his enemies and in hopes of returning home. Jack's attempted escape from, and eventual return...