The catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam in 1889 serves as the inciting incident that shatters the lives of the residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The narrative follows a romance unfolding between individuals from disparate social strata, set against the backdrop of a private club for the nation's wealthiest industrialists. As the dam nears its breaking point, the characters must navigate the rigid class structures and personal ambitions that define their environment. The story utilizes a multi-perspective approach to examine how the impending disaster forces a confrontation between the lives of the elite and the working class.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance the intimate details of a romance with the grand scale of a historical disaster. Discussion often centers on the tension between the idyllic life at the gentlemen's club and the precarious reality of the town below. Critics note the effective pacing, which builds anticipation toward the inevitable collapse of the dam. Many readers appreciate the focus on the social implications of the tragedy rather than just the physical destruction. The work is often cited for its research and its nuanced portrayal of the figures involved in the dam's maintenance.