What a huge sprawling novel; I must say I have never read anything like this before. Frank Bascombe is a realtor at age 55 going through what he deems the "Permanent Period" of his life - diagnosed with cancer, on the verge of his second divorce, haunted by the memory of his deceased child (who passed away at age 9). On the way the reader acquires a detailed, often overwrought glimpse of contemporary American life during the recount election of 2000 (Bush v. Gore). At times, Ford uses contemporary references too often, in the form of a list that goes on and on. Fraught relations between the main character, Frank, and his two surviving children, a number of very colorful real estate clients, Mike, his realty partner, and his two ex-wifes form the basis of interactions that are uncomfortable, but real.