A group of Anglican nuns attempts to establish a convent in a remote Himalayan palace, only to find their spiritual discipline eroded by the intense atmosphere of their new environment. The Sisters of Mary, led by the ambitious Sister Clodagh, struggle to maintain their mission of education and medical care while facing the physical isolation of the mountains and the psychological influence of the former 'harem' palace. They rely on the local English agent, Mr. Dean, whose cynical perspective and presence serve as a constant challenge to their resolve. The narrative explores the breakdown of order and the internal conflicts that arise when rigid belief systems encounter an environment that resists them.

Readers frequently highlight the sensory richness of the prose, which effectively captures the oppressive and exotic atmosphere of the Himalayan setting. Discussion often centers on the subtle psychological unraveling of the characters as they struggle to maintain their composure in a place that seems to reject their presence. Critics often note the author's ability to balance the external challenges of the mission with the internal, often repressed, conflicts of the nuns. The book is widely regarded for its nuanced portrayal of faith and the fragility of human discipline when faced with overwhelming environmental pressure. Many readers find the interaction between the Sisters and Mr. Dean to be the primary catalyst for the narrative's mounting tension.