Salim, an Indian merchant, attempts to establish a new life in a volatile, newly independent African nation, only to find his personal stability threatened by the encroaching decay of the post-colonial state. Salim moves to a remote town at a bend in the river to operate a store, hoping to distance himself from the political instability of the coast. He encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a Belgian priest and a political intellectual, all while navigating the erratic rule of the nation's leader, known as the Big Man. The narrative, delivered through Salim's observant first-person perspective, tracks the gradual erosion of order as the town succumbs to corruption and administrative incompetence. Salim must contend with the loss of his autonomy as his business is subsumed by the state's shifting power dynamics.

Readers and critics frequently note the clinical, detached prose style that mirrors the protagonist's own sense of alienation. Discussion often centers on the bleak portrayal of political instability and the inevitable failure of the newly formed state to maintain order. Many highlight the effectiveness of the river setting as a symbol for the relentless, indifferent flow of history. The balance between Salim's internal monologue and the external political chaos is often cited as a primary strength of the work. Critics emphasize the author's skepticism regarding the transition from colonial rule to independence, making it a frequent subject of academic analysis.