Shannon Hicks, a sharp-witted and ambitious young woman, navigates the shifting social and political landscapes of 1930s Sydney while attempting to define her own identity. Driven by a desire to escape her provincial upbringing, Shannon encounters a diverse cast of characters, from political agitators to bohemian artists, who challenge her perceptions of morality and success. The narrative follows her trajectory through various jobs and social circles, highlighting the friction between her personal aspirations and the rigid expectations of the era. Told with a keen eye for social detail, the story captures the precarious nature of survival during the Great Depression.

This work is regarded as a significant contribution to Australian social realism, noted for its unsentimental portrayal of urban life. The narrative style is often praised for its biting wit and the author's ability to capture the distinct voices of a wide array of social types. Readers typically find the protagonist's cynical outlook to be a refreshing departure from the more idealized characters of the period. The book remains a staple for those interested in the cultural and political climate of pre-war Sydney as seen through a critical lens.