The sudden appearance of a geothermal spring in the impoverished town of Chamisaville triggers a rapid, chaotic transformation of the local economy and social order. The protagonist, caught in the wake of this unexpected fortune, navigates the greed and opportunism of the town's residents as they attempt to exploit the natural phenomenon. The narrative examines the collision between the town's stagnant past and the sudden influx of commercial interest during the Great Depression. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that highlights the absurdity of the town's rapid industrialization and the moral compromises made by its inhabitants.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance dark humor with a sharp critique of human nature. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the town's initial poverty and the subsequent frenzy of commercial development. Critics note the effectiveness of the setting as a character in itself, reflecting the shifting fortunes of the residents. The narrative is often praised for its cynical yet observant tone regarding the pursuit of wealth during economic hardship. Many readers appreciate how the story avoids sentimentality in favor of a grounded, often biting, portrayal of societal change.