Brother Eli is a mountain of a man, bald of his free will, in the thrall of a gargantuan appetite. His robe is stained, his classes are demanding, his attitude cynical, his breath sour. He smokes, drinks, fights against the forces of darkness - parents and school administrators. he does not lack opponents in the Church, his family, the student body, or his order - Most Holy Family. Now, even that war in Viet Nam is coming close to home and school.

Enter two semi-mysterious strangers to Catholic Prep. One is a novice who is hysterically embraced by students and Brothers alike. Transfer student Nadette Nevers is shunned and reviled by classmates, but esteemed by Brother Eli for her eccentricity and independence. Along with a menagerie of quirky characters, Brother Eli journeys through matters of faith, truths, lies, money, envy and power, sexuality and food.