This work investigates the fundamental human need to impose order and meaning on time through the construction of fictional narratives. Frank Kermode, a distinguished literary critic, draws upon historical, theological, and philosophical texts to argue that our concepts of 'beginnings' and 'endings' are artificial constructs designed to provide coherence to the chaotic experience of living. He examines how these temporal structures influence both the creation and the interpretation of literature, asserting that fiction serves as a vital tool for navigating the complexities of human existence.

Scholars and critics widely regard this text as a foundational contribution to modern literary theory, particularly for its exploration of narrative time. Readers frequently note the intellectual density of the prose, which requires careful engagement with both theological and literary concepts.