Eugene Henderson

Henderson is the anti-hero of the novel. Bumbling, angry and confused, he ultimately finds redemption through his African journey. He is a large man, with a shocking physical appearance and great strength. He has a distinguished family history, and his father, a famous author, left him three million dollars when he died. He has been married twice and has five children, although he isn't particularly interested in parenting. Although he was too old for combat duty, he pressured people in Washington until he was allowed to fight in World War II. In the Army, he was wounded by a land mine and received the Purple Heart. He was forty-six or forty-seven when he returned from fighting in Europe. He has a pig farm, but has a secret desire in his heart to become a doctor.

Henderson is plagued by a voice that says, "I want." He tries...