Summary

The novel opens in Saint Louis, Missouri in the mid-1920s. The protagonist, Walter “Walt” Rawley, is nine years old and is on the street begging for change. (The novel is narrated by Walt at the age of 77.) Walt is an orphan who is being raised by his Uncle Slim and Aunt Peg. Walt is approached by a mysterious man who introduces himself as Master Yehudi. Yehudi claims that he can teach Walt how to fly if he comes away with him, and that they can make a lot of money together if Walt successfully learns how. He also says that he has spoken to his aunt and uncle and that they are eager for Yehudi to take Walt out of their custody. Yehudi says that Walt has a natural gift that Yehudi can sense, and he even promises that if he is unable...