A chance encounter during a road trip forces a woman to confront the unresolved tensions of her past and the complexities of her present romantic entanglements. The protagonist, Stella, finds herself navigating a physical and emotional landscape that mirrors her internal conflict as she travels through the Australian countryside. She must reconcile her previous attachments with the evolving reality of her current relationships, all while contending with the social expectations of her time. The narrative employs a lyrical, introspective style that emphasizes the psychological depth of its characters against the backdrop of the rugged landscape.

This work is regarded as a significant example of mid-twentieth-century Australian fiction, noted for its sophisticated psychological insight. Readers and critics often highlight the author's ability to weave the vastness of the natural world into the intimate struggles of her characters. The prose is frequently praised for its precision and its refusal to rely on simplistic resolutions to complex emotional problems. It remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of Australian literary voice and the exploration of gender roles within a historical context.