Deze epische saga vertelt over de uiteenlopende paden van twee broers met contrasterende karakters en lotsbestemmingen. Tegen de achtergrond van turbulente decennia na de oorlog verstrengelen hun persoonlijke worstelingen en ambities zich met het veranderende Amerikaanse landschap. Het verhaal duikt in thema's als klasse, familie, succes en moraliteit. Het is een meeslepende verkenning van hoe individuen omgaan met hun innerlijke demonen en maatschappelijke druk.
Rich Man, Poor Man is the story of two brothers whose contrasting natures reflect the turmoil of post-war America. Rudy is the rich man - a romantic who would let no one stand between him and success. Tom is the poor man - the black sheep of the family on the run from his violent past.
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.