The narrative follows the fragmented existence of Eddie Twyborn as he navigates shifting identities across three distinct geographical and social landscapes. Eddie seeks to reconcile his internal contradictions and find a sense of self-affirmation while contending with the expectations of his family and the rigid social structures of his environment. The story is structured in three parts, each presenting a different iteration of the protagonist, moving from the Mediterranean to London and finally to Australia. The prose utilizes a complex, stream-of-consciousness style to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the human condition.

Discussion often centers on the technical complexity of White's prose and his uncompromising approach to character identity. Readers frequently highlight the stark contrast between the three sections of the book, noting how the shifts in setting mirror the protagonist's internal instability. Critics often examine the work as a meditation on the masks individuals wear to survive in a society that demands conformity. The novel is widely recognized for its challenging structure and its refusal to provide easy answers regarding the nature of the self. Many readers appreciate the atmospheric density, though some find the shifting perspectives demanding to track throughout the narrative.