The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Lethem, Jonathan. The Arrest. New York: Ecco, 2020.

The main story takes place in the not-too-distant future. A strange phenomenon known as the Arrest has caused all modern technology—internet, television, cars, et cetera—to cease functioning. The protagonist is Alexander “Sandy” Duplessis. He has taken on the name Journeyman following the Arrest. Years prior, after graduating from college, he moved to Los Angeles with his friend and classmate, Peter Todbaum. They attempted to gain traction in the film industry, and during those first few years, they had no success. One day, Sandy’s younger sister—Maddy—came to visit them. During the visit, Peter Todbaum sexually assaulted Maddy. After that, Sandy and Todbaum had a falling out. Todbaum eventually went on to become a successful film producer.

One day, Sandy visited Maddy at her home in Maine. During the visit, the Arrest occurred, leaving Sandy no choice but to remain there. Ever since the Arrest, Sandy—now Journeyman—has lived in Tinderwick, Maine, which has become an agrarian community out of necessity. Tinderwick is located on the Atlantic coast. Journeyman works as a delivery person. Maddy lives on a farm with her significant other, Astur. An autonomous militia called the Cordon patrols a perimeter that extends several miles away from Tinderwick. The Cordon’s origin and motivations are unknown, but they attempt to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Tinderwick.

One day, a large, futuristic vehicle arrives near Tinderwick. The vehicle appears to have been unaffected by the Arrest. The vehicle—called the Blue Streak—is piloted by Todbaum. Who says that he had the vehicle built several years prior to the Arrest. Todbaum has traveled in the Blue Streak all the way from California. He came to Tinderwick since he knew Journeyman and Maddy would be there. Journeyman feels uneasy, and he worries that Todbaum will attempt to take control of Tinderwick somehow. Todbaum begins to ingratiate himself to the locals by demonstrating the Blue Streak’s impressive technologies, and by telling stories of his cross-country journey.

It eventually becomes known that the Cordon has a grudge against Todbaum, who accidentally ran over and killed a few of their members. The Cordon wishes to kill Todbaum and take control of the Blue Streak. At first, the townspeople decide to simply give Todbaum and the Blue Streak to the Cordon. However, they then formulate a new plan and begin working to build a mysterious tower on a nearby island. The townspeople do not tell Journeyman the plan. However, the townspeople eventually lure Todbaum to the island, and it becomes clear that the tower is actually a trap. The tower permanently ensnares the Blue Streak, but Todbaum refuses to leave the vehicle. The Cordon, satisfied with Todbaum’s capture, return to their regular patrol. Life in Tinderwick returns to the way it was. Journeyman continues his deliveries, and he also begins making regular deliveries to Todbaum, who remains in the Blue Streak.