Their paths first crossed in 1966 in the newly independent Republic of Uganda. Theroux became Naipauls driver, interpreter and apprentice - Theroux was twenty-three and Naipaul thirty-four. Initially, Theroux was guided by the older writer, but as the years passed their positions were frequently reversed and they became each others editors, confidants and teachers. From Singapore to London, India to South America, the United States and back to Africa, the writers kept in close touch. Naipauls brother Shiva is part of the story, and so is Margaret, Naipauls Anglo-Argentine companion.