A psychiatrist’s discovery of a mysterious asylum register entry triggers an investigation into the life of Thomas Darwin, the forgotten eleventh child of Charles Darwin. Driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind this obscure figure, the narrator navigates a labyrinth of archival materials to reconstruct Thomas’s brief, eccentric existence. The protagonist faces the challenge of reconciling historical record with the absurdity of Thomas’s singular obsession: applying evolutionary theory to the development of household cutlery. The narrative unfolds through a non-linear, multi-media framework that forces the reader to constantly question the boundary between documented history and creative invention.

This work is widely regarded as a clever exercise in literary deception that challenges the reader's reliance on traditional biographical authority. The narrative style effectively mimics the dry, academic tone of historical research, which serves to heighten the absurdity of the central premise. Readers often note the seamless integration of visual artifacts, which provides a convincing veneer of authenticity to the fabricated life of Thomas Darwin. The book succeeds in prompting a critical reflection on how history is constructed and how easily the public accepts narratives presented with the trappings of academic rigor.