Two young cousins, Len and Esau, defy the anti-technological mandates of their agrarian society to seek the legendary city of Bartorstown. Living in the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe, the protagonists navigate a world where urban centers and advanced machinery are strictly prohibited by religious and social authorities. Their quest for knowledge forces them to confront the limitations of their isolated community and the potential existence of a hidden, technologically advanced civilization. The narrative follows their physical movement across a desolate landscape, serving as a catalyst for their internal transformation and the questioning of their upbringing.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's influence on the post-apocalyptic genre, noting its focus on the sociological consequences of nuclear war rather than mere survival action. Discussion often centers on the tension between the characters' desire for progress and the restrictive, anti-technological dogma of their community. Critics often point to the atmospheric world-building as a defining feature that maintains the story's relevance across generations. The pacing is described as deliberate, prioritizing the internal development of the protagonists over rapid-fire plot sequences. Readers appreciate the nuanced exploration of how societies reconstruct their values in the wake of total destruction.