A man finds himself stripped of his identity and social standing, forced to navigate a society that no longer recognizes his existence. After waking to discover that his records, relationships, and personal history have been erased, the protagonist must determine the cause of his sudden displacement. He faces a bureaucratic and social apparatus designed to isolate individuals who fall outside the established system. The narrative follows his attempts to reclaim his life while evading those who seek to maintain his status as a non-person. The story utilizes a third-person perspective to emphasize the protagonist's alienation from his own environment.

Readers and critics often note the stark, clinical atmosphere that permeates the narrative. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the author's portrayal of social erasure and the resulting psychological toll on the protagonist. The pacing is described as deliberate, prioritizing internal reflection over external conflict. Many highlight the book as a significant example of Australian speculative fiction that addresses themes of conformity and individual agency. The work is frequently compared to other dystopian classics that examine the loss of self in an increasingly controlled world.