The Mandibles family faces an unprecedented global economic collapse that plunges the world into chaos and forces them to confront their own survival. In a near future where the US dollar has been devalued and replaced by a new global currency, the wealthy Mandible family finds their fortune wiped out overnight. As society unravels and hyperinflation grips the nation, they must adapt to a harsh new reality, relying on each other and their dwindling resources to survive. The narrative follows their struggle across two decades, detailing their attempts to rebuild their lives and navigate a world stripped of its familiar economic structures, all while grappling with the moral compromises survival demands.

The novel is often characterized as a chillingly plausible speculative fiction that uses the economic downfall of one family to mirror potential global societal collapse. Critics have noted Shriver's unflinching portrayal of the consequences of financial ruin, highlighting the book's ability to provoke thought about the systems we rely on. The narrative's extended timeline allows for a comprehensive examination of how individuals and families adapt, or fail to adapt, to drastic societal shifts. It is seen as a stark warning about the interconnectedness of global economies and the potential for widespread disruption.