The book follows the main protagonist search for his true identity in post-war Britain. The audience is introduced to 26 year old Terry who is trying to fit into a world which is not totally ready for the life he is striving for. We are introduced to his Julia (his girlfriend) who lets him down gently because her parents would never accept them as a married couple. The let-down exposes Terry to the first introduction to the black community when he meets young Bob Pinto, who is new to Britain, introducing him to the world outside of his own. Forced by circumstances, he is forced to give up this world because he accidentally got someone else pregnant and is faced with some difficult choices; return to his love in London or give up his child.