Ann Tylers 14th novel tells the story of Barnaby Gaitlin, a lovable loser whos trying to get his life in order. Barnaby has overcome his past prediliction of breaking into peoples homes to pore over their family photo albums and mail and take a few keepsakes of his own. But even after hes been working steadily as a mover, his prominent family cannot forget the price they paid for guying off Barnabys former victims. His ex-wife would just as soon he didnt show up to visit their little girl. And when the chips are down, the old woman he feels trusts him the most wont put all of her faith in him.