The novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative of a Czechoslovakian writer who has become a professor at a Canadian university, teaching American literature. The narrative switches between his current life in Canada and his memories of the past in Czechoslovakia, including the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime. The book presents a complex portrayal of the life of an intellectual in exile and the challenges of cultural assimilation, while also exploring themes of love, politics, and the power of literature.

The novel follows the life of a Toronto doctor who uses his knowledge of medicine and his understanding of human nature to treat his patients. He believes in the healing power of the human spirit and often uses unconventional methods to treat his patients. The narrative is filled with his interesting patients and their stories, as well as his own personal journey. The book also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the complexities of human nature.

This novel is a sprawling epic that traces the multi-generational saga of the Gursky family, rumored to have been inspired by the real-life Bronfman dynasty, Canadian liquor magnates. At its core, it follows the enigmatic figure of Solomon Gursky, whose life is shrouded in myth and mystery, from his forebears' escape from Jewish persecution in Europe to his own adventures in the Arctic, and the eventual establishment of a powerful business empire in North America. Through the eyes of Moses Berger, a writer obsessed with uncovering the truth about Solomon, the narrative delves into themes of identity, legacy, and the complexities of the human condition, all set against the backdrop of Canada's development and cultural history.

The novel revolves around a Canadian filmmaker living in London, grappling with a midlife crisis, a complex web of familial relationships, and the burden of his cultural identity. As he navigates through personal and professional challenges, he is haunted by the figure of the "Horseman," a symbol of moral judgment and a reminder of his own shortcomings. The protagonist's journey is interwoven with flashbacks to his childhood in Montreal, where the influence of his larger-than-life cousin and the vibrant Jewish community of St. Urbain Street shape his worldview. The narrative explores themes of guilt, the search for redemption, and the struggle to reconcile one's ambitions with the expectations of society and family.