The author reveals a dream he had of his father's death. This serves as the inciting incident on a plan that has been brewing for weeks: He will visit the place of his father's death, Sri Lanki. He goes to find himself, describing the limitations of his mind and body, of his memory, of his emotions and appetites.
He essays on his arrival in Asia, the history of the island and its government, and he discusses his time with his sister, Gillian. Together with Janet and Christopher, the other siblings, they all four collaborate to share their memories, trying to piece together a cohesive idea of their childhoods. They discuss culture and religion.
In a flashback chapter, we then learn that Ondaatje's parents didn't have a paradise marriage. He explores his father's mental health issues and alcoholism. Also, we learn about his father's misuse of his family's funds. He lied about being accepted to school, and he spend what they thought was tuition money on a lavish lifestyle in the city.
Back in the present, Ondaatje turns his prose to his environment. He discusses Matisse, the painter and the inspiration gained from verdant jungles. He discusses human history and God, and he discusses many animals and their various natures, comparing them to human life.
In the memoir's closing, Ondaatje details his father's rowdy life, the difficulties of life for the family in light of the alcoholism and depression. Finally, he admits that his mother was not a very good listener; she felt more comfortable telling stories. Then again, Ondaatje reminds his reader that technically, the man forbade others from helping him.
