Shannon Hicks navigates the shifting social and political landscapes of 1930s Sydney, struggling to find authenticity amidst a world of charlatans and opportunists. Driven by a desire for independence, Shannon moves from her rural upbringing into the chaotic urban environment of the city. She encounters a series of eccentric figures, political agitators, and self-serving intellectuals who challenge her developing worldview. The narrative follows her attempts to maintain her integrity while being pulled into various radical movements and personal entanglements that threaten to compromise her sense of self.

This novel is widely regarded as a significant contribution to Australian social realism, noted for its biting wit and unsentimental portrayal of the interwar period. Critics often highlight Tennant's ability to balance a sprawling cast of characters with a focused, skeptical perspective on the era's political movements. The work is frequently cited for its sharp, observational prose that avoids romanticizing the struggles of the working class or the pretenses of the elite. It remains a staple for those interested in the development of the Australian novel and the cultural history of Sydney during the 1930s.