This work investigates the elusive nature of paternal identity and the reliability of memory through the lens of the author's own family history. Clark Blaise, a noted writer and educator, utilizes his background in literary craft to deconstruct the myths surrounding his father. By examining his father's enigmatic life and the gaps in his own upbringing, Blaise presents a framework that challenges the traditional linear structure of the memoir. He employs a blend of personal recollection and investigative inquiry to reconcile the man he knew with the historical reality of his father's past.

Critics often highlight the book's stylistic departure from conventional autobiography, noting its experimental structure and focus on the subjectivity of truth. Scholars of contemporary memoir frequently cite this text as a significant example of how authors navigate the complexities of personal identity and historical record.