A disparate group of itinerant workers and drifters navigates the harsh landscape of Depression-era Australia in a desperate search for survival and autonomy. The narrative follows Snow and Dancy, two individuals who join a shifting community of 'battlers'—people living on the fringes of society who move from town to town seeking seasonal labor or avoiding the reach of the law. Tennant employs a gritty, observational style to document the physical toll of the road and the complex social hierarchies that emerge within these transient camps. The characters face constant opposition from unforgiving environmental conditions, systemic poverty, and the looming threat of police intervention, forcing them to rely on their own ingenuity and communal bonds.

This work is widely recognized as a significant contribution to Australian social realism, noted for its unflinching portrayal of the itinerant underclass during the 1930s. Critics have historically praised Tennant for her meticulous research and her ability to capture the distinct voices of those living on the margins of society. The novel's success is underscored by its receipt of the S.H. Prior Memorial Prize, which solidified its place in the canon of Australian literature. Readers often highlight the authenticity of the dialogue and the stark, unvarnished depiction of the hardships faced by the characters. The narrative remains a primary reference point for understanding the cultural and economic climate of the era.