The discovery of an old photograph triggers a narrator's attempt to reconcile his past with the volatile life of his childhood friend, Johnno. Dante returns to Australia following his father's death, where the physical remnants of his history force a confrontation with the memory of Johnno. The narrative operates as a retrospective account, tracing their shared history from the rigid environment of Brisbane Grammar School to the bohemian atmosphere of post-war Paris. Dante acts as the observer, attempting to map the erratic behavior and psychological shifts of a man who defies conventional categorization.

Readers and critics frequently observe that the novel functions as a meditation on the nature of memory and the limitations of understanding another person. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the narrator's grounded perspective and the titular character's chaotic, unpredictable existence. Many highlight the atmospheric quality of the prose, which captures the specific social tensions of mid-century Australia with precision. The work is often noted for its refusal to provide easy answers regarding Johnno's motivations, leaving the reader to grapple with the same ambiguity that haunts the narrator. This stylistic choice ensures that the character remains a subject of analysis rather than a simple caricature.