As a man who sees his life as ordinary—an enduring, repetitive pain, Gus Rivers acknowledges his destructive indifference is the root of his marriage's failure. His answer is to run away to unearth the contrast, he believes, will help him rediscover the love and adventure his life needs. There is rejuvenation in separation. Gus chooses Nome. But changing the scenery doesn't change the man.

The diversion of an ill-advised love affair, the intrigue of drug dealers' plots, covert war, and savage murders blur his initial purpose. Gus eventually learns that there's no place like Nome.