An ambitious German explorer leads an ill-fated expedition into the Australian interior, while his spiritual counterpart remains in Sydney, bound to him by an intense, unspoken connection. The protagonist, Johann Ulrich Voss, seeks to conquer the unknown continent, driven by a messianic desire to leave his mark upon the landscape. He faces physical resistance from the harsh, unforgiving desert environment and internal dissent from his crew, who struggle with his rigid, uncompromising leadership. Simultaneously, the narrative tracks Laura Trevelyan, an orphan who experiences the expedition through a psychic link, enduring the social constraints of colonial society while waiting for a return that defies rational expectation. The novel utilizes a shifting, omniscient perspective to bridge the vast geographical and emotional distance between the two central figures.

Readers and critics frequently discuss the challenging, dense nature of the prose, which demands significant attention from the audience. Discussion often centers on the symbolic weight of the Australian desert as both a physical obstacle and a mirror for the protagonist's internal disintegration. Many highlight the effectiveness of the dual narrative structure, which maintains tension despite the slow, deliberate pacing of the expedition. The work is often cited for its exploration of the intersection between human ego and the indifference of the natural world. It remains a central text in discussions regarding the development of Australian literary identity and the psychological depth of historical fiction.