Growing up in 1940s Brooklyn, New York, a boy's birthmark haunts him, his angst compounded by catastrophe, religious conflict and parental meddling, while he learns about life and death. The novel takes place over a span beginning in 1933 and ending in 1971. Most of the story occurs in Brighton Beach and Coney Island sections of Brooklyn, where the boardwalk and beach play significant roles. It revolves around the boy's facial disfigurement since birth, resulting in exceeding self-awareness and angst. Over the years a family tragedy adds to his tribulations, followed by even more devastating consequences during adolescence when a mysterious girl enters the scene. In addition to the psychological aspect, the book deals with immigrants, religious conflict, bullying, racism, disastrous meddling with good intentions and sometimes, just ill fate.