A minor head injury on a frozen pond propels a violinist into a surreal and chaotic odyssey through the streets of Boston. William Fisher, accompanied by his sentient violin Mr. Squeaky, navigates a series of increasingly bizarre encounters that challenge his perception of reality. The narrative follows his movement through a dreary, urban landscape, where the physical environment shifts to accommodate his mounting confusion. The story utilizes a whimsical, often dark tone to examine the protagonist's struggle against the absurdity of his surroundings. The narrative framework relies on a picaresque structure, tracking Fisher's erratic path as he attempts to reconcile his mundane life with the fantastic incidents he experiences.

Discussion often centers on the author's unique stylistic choices and the deliberate absurdity embedded within the narrative. Readers frequently highlight the balance between the bleak, realistic setting of Boston and the fantastical events that disrupt Fisher's life. Critics often note the rhythmic quality of the prose, which mirrors the musical themes present throughout the text. The book is frequently cited for its unconventional approach to character development, prioritizing atmosphere and thematic resonance over traditional plot resolution. Many readers appreciate the dry, biting humor that permeates the interactions between the protagonist and his violin.