Elwood Lucien is a young West Indian artist who lives within bicycle-riding distance of The Blue Basin - a site that becomes both the prophetic beginning of his art and the poetic end to his youth. After falling in love with the world of art as a child, he finally garners international attention. It seems, however, that Elwood is not made for fame; he is disgusted by the false adoration and insincerity of society people and shies from their attention.

After years spent alone, wandering from one tumultuous relationship to the next, Elwood meets Fauna on a beach. She is beautiful and...