[2] The novel made the New York Times Bestseller list upon its release.

The first part looks at the blackout in New York City and how this affects the main characters.

The second is focused on Gino Santangelo and later includes his children Lucky and Dario.

The third part examines the life of Carrie Berkley and later her son Steven.

[4][5] The blackout, a real event that Collins describes in some detail affects all the major characters either directly or indirectly.