H. Hatterr, a man of mixed heritage, navigates the complexities of colonial and post-colonial India in a quest for spiritual and worldly wisdom. Driven by a desire to understand the human condition, Hatterr encounters a series of 'sages' and eccentric figures who offer conflicting advice on life, morality, and existence. The narrative is framed through Hatterr's own idiosyncratic voice, which blends high-flown philosophical jargon with colloquialisms and inventive linguistic structures. He faces constant social and logical obstacles as he attempts to reconcile his identity as a 'fifty-fifty' man within a world defined by rigid cultural expectations.

Discussion often centers on the novel's linguistic innovation, which critics frequently compare to the works of Laurence Sterne for its playfulness and structural unpredictability. Readers highlight the protagonist's unique voice as a primary draw, noting how it effectively deconstructs the traditional English novel form. Many scholars emphasize the text's significance in the development of postcolonial literature, specifically regarding how it reclaims and reshapes the English language. The pacing is described as erratic and dense, reflecting the chaotic nature of the protagonist's search for enlightenment. Overall, the work is recognized for its intellectual ambition and its role as a precursor to later experimental fiction by authors like Salman Rushdie.