Vivian Twostar, a mixed-blood anthropologist, and her lover Roger Williams embark on a quest to locate the lost diary of Christopher Columbus, an endeavor that forces them to confront their own identities and the legacy of the explorer. As they navigate the complexities of academia, parenthood, and their own relationship, they are opposed by professional rivals and the weight of historical myth. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two protagonists, utilizing a multi-layered structure that blends contemporary academic life with historical speculation. Their search takes them from the halls of Dartmouth College to the Caribbean, where the physical environment mirrors the internal turbulence of their search for truth.

This novel is characterized by its playful yet critical engagement with the quincentenary of Columbus's arrival in the Americas. The narrative style suggests a collaborative effort that balances intellectual rigor with a lighthearted, often comedic tone regarding the absurdity of academic obsession. The work is likely to be viewed as a thoughtful interrogation of how history is constructed and who holds the authority to interpret the past. Readers often note the distinct voices of the two authors, which create a dynamic tension that drives the plot forward through both personal and historical discovery.