The collection centers on the tension between internal memory and the external, often desolate, landscapes that mirror the speaker's psychological state.

The speaker navigates a series of lyrical encounters that examine the fragility of human connection and the persistence of loss. The poems operate within a framework of stark imagery and precise, rhythmic language, often stripping away artifice to reveal the underlying currents of grief and reflection. The narrative voice remains consistent, acting as an observer of both the natural world and the internal shifts of the psyche, while maintaining a distance that emphasizes the isolation inherent in the subject matter.

Readers and critics frequently note the precision of Harsent's language and his ability to construct atmosphere through economy of expression. Discussion often centers on the bleak, haunting quality of the imagery and how it serves to amplify the emotional weight of the poems. Many observers highlight the consistency of the collection's tone, which remains focused on the interplay between the speaker and the landscape. The work is often cited for its technical control, with critics pointing to the deliberate pacing that forces the reader to engage with each line individually. This collection is recognized for its contribution to contemporary verse, particularly in its exploration of the limits of language when confronting profound loss.