The arrival of the First Fleet in Australia initiates a volatile collision between the survival-focused British settlers and the indigenous people who have inhabited the land for millennia. The narrative follows the perspectives of both the newcomers, struggling against starvation and the harsh, unfamiliar environment, and the Aborigines, whose traditional way of life is irrevocably disrupted by the encroaching presence. Dark employs a multi-perspective framework to examine the psychological and physical toll of colonization, highlighting the profound cultural misunderstandings that define the early years of the settlement. The story navigates the tension between the settlers' rigid societal structures and the vast, indifferent landscape that challenges their very existence.

This work is widely regarded as a significant contribution to Australian historical fiction, noted for its attempt to provide a balanced view of the colonial encounter. Readers and critics often highlight the author's evocative prose and her commitment to portraying the indigenous perspective with a level of sensitivity that was rare for its time. The narrative is frequently praised for its atmospheric depth and its ability to capture the immense scale of the Australian wilderness. It remains a staple in discussions regarding the literary representation of the early colonial period in Australia.