Theodore Blanchaille, a renegade priest, initiates a global search for a legendary treasure allegedly smuggled out of South Africa by Boer leader Paul Kruger. Blanchaille navigates a landscape defined by political instability and personal disillusionment as he tracks the elusive gold. His objective is complicated by a series of encounters with figures from his past and present, each representing different facets of the South African experience. The narrative framework employs a picaresque structure, moving the protagonist across international borders while maintaining a focus on the psychological weight of his mission. He faces physical danger and moral ambiguity, testing his resolve against the backdrop of historical trauma and systemic betrayal.

Readers and critics often note the sharp, satirical edge Christopher Hope brings to the exploration of South African history and identity. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the treasure hunt as a vehicle for examining the moral decay and political absurdity of the era. Many highlight the protagonist's internal conflict as a mirror for the broader societal disillusionment depicted throughout the text. The pacing is described as deliberate, favoring character-driven revelations over rapid-fire action sequences. This work is recognized for its ability to balance historical gravity with a cynical, often biting, narrative voice.