The reader meets Keith Neudecker at a critical point in his life. The September 11 attacks destroy his identity and leave him with a deep psychological trauma from which he never really recovers. In the aftermath of the attack, Keith wanders among the ruins of the collapsed towers before he is taken to his estranged wife’s house. Before the attack, Keith was a terrible husband and a dedicated professional. He based his entire identity on his professional life, using the World Trade Center as a measure of his success. For Keith, working as a lawyer in the World Trade Center was an indication that he had succeeded in life. He even moved out of Lianne’s apartment and found an apartment closer to the World Trade Center because he felt a need to be near his work. His life and identity revolved around a physical place that was a metaphor for professional success to Keith. He may not have been happy, and he may not have found his life fulfilling, but he was satisfied with his professional accomplishment, in no small part because of the location of his office.

The September 11 attacks change this.