Hugh and Margaret Darcy struggle to maintain their family unit amidst the harsh poverty and social volatility of 1940s Surry Hills. Living in a cramped, decaying boarding house, the Darcys navigate the daily pressures of economic scarcity and the influence of the surrounding underworld. The narrative follows the lives of the parents and their children, Roie and Dolour, as they confront the physical degradation of their environment and the rigid social hierarchies of Sydney. The story utilizes a third-person omniscient perspective to examine the interplay between individual aspirations and the crushing weight of their socio-economic reality.

Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a definitive portrait of mid-century Australian urban life. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance the grim realities of slum existence with the warmth and humor found within the Darcy family. Many highlight the prose as being both unsentimental and deeply observant regarding the human condition under duress. The book is widely regarded for its authentic atmosphere and the enduring nature of its central characters. It remains a staple in discussions concerning the evolution of the Australian novel and its social commentary.