Hurtle Duffield, a relentless painter, systematically exploits the vulnerabilities of those around him to fuel his artistic output. Driven by an insatiable need to capture the essence of human experience, Duffield navigates a life defined by emotional detachment and the cold observation of his peers. He views his sister’s physical deformity and the romantic attachments of his lovers as raw material for his canvases, maintaining a distance that borders on cruelty. The narrative follows his progression from childhood to his later years, utilizing a complex, stream-of-consciousness style to examine the intersection of ego, morality, and the creative process.

Readers and critics frequently discuss the uncompromising nature of Hurtle Duffield as a protagonist, often noting his lack of traditional likability. Discussion often centers on the dense, challenging prose style that characterizes White’s writing, which demands significant attention from the reader. Many highlight the book's intense focus on the psychological cost of artistic ambition and the moral ambiguity inherent in the creative act. The narrative is often cited for its brutal honesty regarding human relationships and the isolation that accompanies a life dedicated to art. Readers generally agree that the work serves as a profound, if difficult, examination of the artist's role in society.