Arthur Prentice struggles to establish his own identity while living in the shadow of his father, a celebrated and alcoholic American author. Arthur attempts to navigate the professional demands of a prestigious magazine career while managing the complex, often volatile expectations of his family legacy. His objective is to forge a path independent of his father's influence, but he faces internal conflict regarding his own creative integrity and personal relationships. The narrative follows his development as he confronts the realities of his father's decline and his own emerging adulthood.

Readers and critics often focus on the novel's examination of the burden of parental legacy and the complexities of professional life in the literary world. Discussion frequently centers on the protagonist's growth as he attempts to reconcile his personal values with the expectations placed upon him by his father's reputation. The pacing is noted for its steady, character-focused progression rather than high-stakes external action. Many reviewers highlight the author's ability to capture the nuances of family tension and the specific atmosphere of the magazine industry. The narrative is generally regarded as a thoughtful look at the process of self-definition within a demanding social context.