Seeking escape from a failed romance in England, Amber Harrison travels to Peking, only to find herself entangled in the complex social and political maneuvers of the expatriate diplomatic community. Amber arrives in China under the protection of the Grant-Howard family, hoping for a fresh start amidst the exotic landscape of the East. She quickly discovers that the expatriate circle is defined by rigid social hierarchies, intense rivalries, and a preoccupation with leisure activities like horse racing. As she navigates this insular world, her personal curiosity draws her into the private lives of three diplomats, complicating her search for stability. The narrative captures the tension between the superficiality of the diplomatic compound and the ancient, enduring reality of the surrounding Chinese culture.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to render the specific atmosphere of pre-war Peking with vivid detail. Discussion often centers on the contrast between the frivolous activities of the diplomatic class and the more serious historical backdrop of the region. Critics note that the protagonist's development is closely tied to her navigation of these conflicting social environments. The pacing is generally described as deliberate, allowing for a thorough examination of the expatriate lifestyle and the romantic entanglements that define the narrative arc. Many appreciate the balance between the internal emotional struggles of the characters and the external pressures of their unique setting.