A young writer finds himself entangled in the chaotic production of a film while grappling with the looming shadow of political instability in Europe. The protagonist, Christopher, navigates the artificial environment of a British film studio, where he is tasked with collaborating on a script titled 'Prater Violet.' He faces the abrasive personality of Friedrich Bergmann, an Austrian director whose artistic integrity clashes with the commercial demands of the studio. The narrative framework utilizes a semi-autobiographical style, blending personal reflection with a sharp critique of the film industry's superficiality during the 1930s.

Discussion often centers on the book's ability to balance personal character study with broader political commentary. Readers frequently highlight the sharp, witty dialogue that defines the relationship between the two central figures. Critics often note the effectiveness of the studio setting as a microcosm for the anxieties of the pre-war era. The narrative is praised for its restraint and its refusal to offer easy resolutions to the protagonist's internal conflicts.