Pete, who is ten years old, is the narrator. His parents have separated, although the reasons are not explained. His sister stays with their mother, and he goes with his father, not very far away, on the Californian coast, and recounts, in very short chapters, what they do during a period that is also one of economic and professional crisis (the father is a writer).
Their relationship is good. Pete is bright, asks a wide variety of questions, dreams, admires his father, but also becomes aware of his limitations, and both face difficulties with optimism and a desire to live. The narrative from the child’s perspective is very well achieved (meals, school, outings, walks...). There are humorous scenes and others that are moving.
The novel has an autobiographical origin. The few references to the mother are striking, except for a meeting of the whole family at Christmas.