Jess Freeman, a facial plastic surgeon, refashions the identities of others while knowing little of his own. Who are his biological parents, and could they explain his sudden trances when drifts off into visionary worlds, both radiant and nightmarish? Whenever one of these occurs during a delicate surgery, he is given a reality check by his nurse--quick bops on the head. The novel is a satirical exploration of human identity. Jess has a group of friends, both female and male intimates, who have a strong sense of group loyalty that sustains them through a series of remarkable calamities. All emerge in the end with recognitions that prove transformative for all.