When his mother disappears, fifteen-year-old Laurence Roach must maintain the facade of a functioning household to prevent social services from separating him from his younger brother. Laurence navigates the precarious reality of living in a home where his mother is an alcoholic and his six-year-old brother, Jay, exhibits persistent behavioral quirks. The narrative follows Laurence as he adopts increasingly desperate measures, including cross-dressing to deceive neighbors, to conceal his mother's absence. The story is told through a first-person perspective that emphasizes the mounting pressure of his isolation and the logical constraints of surviving without adult supervision or financial resources.

Readers frequently highlight the balance between the grim reality of Laurence's situation and the moments of levity provided by his brother's antics. Discussion often centers on the protagonist's moral dilemma and the ethical weight of his decision to hide his mother's disappearance. Critics note the effectiveness of the author's voice in capturing the internal monologue of a teenager forced into an adult role. Many readers appreciate the honest portrayal of family dysfunction without resorting to overly sentimental resolutions. The narrative is often praised for its ability to maintain tension while exploring complex themes of forgiveness and hope.