Set in Sydney during the final years of World War II, this novel follows the lives of three women as they navigate the social upheaval and moral complexities of a city transformed by the presence of American servicemen. The narrative centers on the intersecting lives of these women, each grappling with personal desires, economic instability, and the shifting cultural landscape of a nation at war. As they encounter the influx of foreign soldiers, they face difficult choices regarding love, independence, and the preservation of their own identities. The story employs a multi-perspective narrative framework to capture the broader atmosphere of a society caught between tradition and the rapid changes brought by global conflict.

This work is widely regarded as a significant piece of Australian social realism that captures the specific anxieties of the home front during the Second World War. Critics often highlight the author's ability to balance intimate character studies with a broader critique of the societal shifts occurring in Sydney at the time. The narrative is frequently noted for its unflinching look at the economic and moral pressures placed upon women in a male-dominated wartime society. Readers often appreciate the historical detail and the authentic portrayal of the tensions between local populations and the American military presence. The book remains a staple for those interested in the social history of Australia during the mid-twentieth century.