After detainment by the Bureau of Investigation, Arthur Tormes is forced to spy on Hubert Julian. For thirteen years he follows Julian - a parachutist, pilot, and possible seditious threat to the United States. To win his freedom, Arthur must stay close to Julian, from New York City to Ethiopia, often at great personal sacrifice.
The story unfolds as Richard grapples with the revelation that his father's death may have been a murder orchestrated by a powerful union leader. Torn between loyalty to his father's legacy and the unsettling possibility of uncovering dark truths, Richard faces a moral dilemma. As he navigates his faltering career and marriage, the narrative explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of confronting the past. The Higher the Monkey Climbs delves into how personal histories shape our present choices and relationships.