Following the devastation of the First World War, a former officer struggles to secure a future for his young son amidst the rigid class structures of 1920s England. Captain Stephen Sorrell returns from military service to discover his wife has abandoned him, leaving him as the sole guardian of his son, Kit. Facing severe financial hardship and the loss of his social standing, Sorrell accepts menial labor to fund his son's education and professional advancement. The narrative follows their bond through years of economic struggle, examining the sacrifices a parent makes to ensure a child's success in a changing society. The story is presented through a traditional third-person perspective that emphasizes the social stratification of the interwar period.

Readers and critics often highlight the book's focus on the moral fortitude of the protagonist as he navigates a society defined by rigid class expectations. Discussion frequently centers on the emotional weight of the father's sacrifices and the evolving relationship between Sorrell and his son as Kit matures. Many observers note the author's ability to capture the specific anxieties of the interwar period, particularly regarding employment and social status. The pacing is generally described as steady and methodical, reflecting the long-term nature of the characters' ambitions. Critics often point to the work as a significant example of early 20th-century social realism that prioritizes character development over dramatic plot twists.