Chapter 0 Summary

A group of artistic and intellectual Poles, searching for a better life, unsuccessfully attempt to form a utopian community in the Tatra Mountains of Southern Poland. Undaunted, they pursue their dream to America and to Southern California, where they form a commune. Everyone is changed by the experience - some get stronger while others collapse and return to Poland. Although their commune ultimately fails because of financial mismanagement, the immigrants who remain go their separate ways toward becoming full-fledged Americans. Maryna Zalezowski, a famous Polish actress and the main character, quits her acting career to start the commune then resumes acting when the commune fails, becoming an internationally famous actress.

Instead of designating the lead into the story as "Introduction" or "Preface", one confronts the somewhat unusual title of Chapter 0 (Zero). This is emblematic of a number of stylistic idiosyncrasies throughout the novel...