Summary

The novel opens in a Jewish cemetery in New Jersey at the funeral of the protagonist, whose name the narration never states. Attending the funeral are Randy and Lonny, his sons from his first marriage; Nancy, his daughter from his second marriage; Phoebe, his second wife; Howie, his older brother; and Maureen, a private duty nurse who had looked after the protagonist after his heart surgery years prior. The protagonist’s parents are buried in nearby plots. In accordance with Jewish tradition each mourner says a few towards as they each throw a handful of dirt onto the coffin. Howie recalls aloud his childhood years with his brother. They lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey with their parents. Their father ran a jewelry store and often had his sons run errands, such as transporting diamonds. He says that his brother had always been “a good...