This collection of three short stories features David Rubin's keen insights into human nature by following a young Robert Dallary from the Florida coast to Manhattan, where he enters the elite social circle of his uncle, Frank. In 'Cerberus Shoals' we find a broke Robert gaining employment on a small boat smuggling questionable goods. His interactions with the captain, Tote Walmus, and his not-so-faithful wife, Georgie, along with her dependably drunk father, Poley, carry this adventurous story along. Robert receives many initiations en route to his destination. In 'Princess Nashreen at Home' we find Robert employed and living in New York City, thanks to Uncle Frank, who has made his recent fortune running gambling operations even though he himself does not gamble. Robert does take a gamble, however, when connecting with the Iranian and Egyptian royalty, Princess Nashreen. Finally, in 'A Rehearsal, ' we find Robert facing an existential dilemma: remain in these elite surroundings with his Hungarian Jewish girlfriend, Judy Aranyi, or break out to pursue his passion: the piano. His Russian teacher, Madame Dolgoruki, helps him pursue his destiny-that which, he learns, he creates for himself.