A small group of expatriates trapped within a Catholic mission in Kashmir must survive a brutal ten-day occupation by invading tribesmen. Seeking refuge from regional conflict, the diverse inhabitants of the mission find themselves directly in the path of violent forces. The narrative tracks their physical confinement and the psychological toll of the occupation as they await rescue by the British Army. The story examines the limits of human endurance and the maintenance of hope under extreme duress. The text utilizes a third-person perspective to observe the shifting dynamics between the captives and their occupiers.

Readers often note the stark atmosphere created by the author during the siege. Discussion frequently centers on the tension between the characters' internal moral struggles and the external chaos of the occupation. Critics highlight the author's ability to maintain a focused narrative pace despite the limited physical setting. Many readers appreciate the examination of how individuals maintain their humanity when faced with senseless destruction and violence.