Wesley, haunted by his father"s murder, begins a strange and deeply personal quest; Billy becomes involved with a girl who leads him into unexpected dangers; Gretchen finds new challenges and experiences a remarkable twist to her life. Moving between Europe and America, "Beggarman, Thief" is a brilliant novel chronicling the fortunes of one family - the joys, sorrows, successes and failures. This is not only the gripping sequel to Irwin Shaw"s bestselling "Rich Man, Poor Man", but also an outstanding novel in its own right.