A disillusioned man finds solace and strangeness in the company of extraordinary beings. The narrative follows a protagonist who, weary of the mundane, encounters a series of peculiar individuals and creatures, each offering a unique perspective or challenge. These encounters force him to confront his own cynicism and re-evaluate his place in a world that often defies logic and expectation. The stories explore themes of identity, reality, and the search for meaning through a lens of the fantastical and the absurd.

The collection is celebrated for its imaginative scope and Beagle's signature lyrical prose, which imbues even the most bizarre characters with a sense of depth and pathos. Readers often highlight the philosophical underpinnings of the stories, noting how the fantastical elements serve as a vehicle for exploring complex human emotions and existential questions. The titular story, featuring the Nietzsche-quoting rhinoceros, is frequently cited as a prime example of Beagle's ability to blend the whimsical with the profound. Overall, the collection is regarded as a showcase of masterful short fiction that lingers in the reader's mind.