The novel is an informative and educational story about one man's late-in-life spiritual and transitional journey. The protagonist, Adam Gardner (a lapsed Jew) transitions from a serene life in his isolated haven to becoming a heroic recognized world figure.
After a chance meeting with Bill Robinson, a younger African-American (who is also an observant Jew), the two men become best of friends and resolve to work together to combat discrimination. With the input and advice of Professor Wolfgang Liebermann, a prominent professor of psychology at Columbia University, they create Eden, a bucolic center in rural Maine, where men and women can attend programs that enlighten them about the origins of prejudice and its pernicious nature, and discover ways to mitigate discrimination. Bill teaches Adam many life lessons learned from his past experience, and Wolfgang teaches both Adam and Bill the basis of prejudice and bigotry.
Adam's story progresses from naivete, through despair, then to a personal resolve to achieve more meaning and value in his life. Trying to battle depression and resolve family disputes, Adam looks for ways to achieve more purpose in his life as he ages. In the process of building the new Eden, family and emotional conflicts are resolved; Adam finds new spirituality and meaning in life. Along the way, Adam finds strength, inspiration, insight, and encouragement from nature - particularly a waterfall near his home - a place which his father had frequently taken him as a boy to teach him about the world and nature's wonders. The waterfall "speaks" to him and becomes a fulcrum in his journey.
The intent of this novel is to have the reader reexamine his or her own attitudes regarding gender, minority status, the environment, police behavior, religion, the manipulation of prejudice in politics and much, much more.
Adam's personal story advances from innocence and naiveté, to cultural awareness, action and determination, success and resolution, and finally to satisfaction and accomplishment. The story is uplifting, hopeful, spiritual, and meaningful.
