A young couple from Massachusetts confronts the disorienting social and physical landscape of 1960s Los Angeles. Paul Cattleman, a writer, and his wife Katherine relocate to Southern California, where they find their traditional values and expectations challenged by the city's peculiar atmosphere. The narrative tracks their attempts to navigate a world defined by superficiality, shifting identities, and the pervasive influence of the entertainment industry. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the disconnect between the protagonists' intellectual backgrounds and the reality of their new environment.

Readers and critics frequently note the sharp, observational style Lurie employs to dissect the social mores of the mid-century American West. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the city itself as a character, with many highlighting how the setting acts as a catalyst for the protagonists' personal disillusionment. The pacing is described as deliberate, favoring psychological nuance and social critique over rapid plot progression. Many readers appreciate the balance between the couple's internal conflicts and the broader commentary on the artificiality of the region. The work is often cited for its ability to capture a specific time and place with clinical precision.