Shannon Hicks arrives in Sydney on the precipice of World War II, armed with idealism and a sharp eye for the absurdities of modern society. As she navigates the volatile landscapes of politics, commerce, and religion, Shannon finds her personal integrity constantly tested by the cynical machinations of those around her. The narrative follows her attempts to maintain her identity while confronting the rigid social structures of 1940s Australia. Through a series of encounters with various opportunists and dreamers, the story examines the friction between individual morality and the collective madness of a civilization on the brink of conflict.

This novel is regarded as a significant piece of Australian social realism that captures the cynicism of the mid-twentieth century. Readers often note the protagonist's sharp wit and the author's ability to dismantle the pretenses of various social institutions with surgical precision. The work is frequently analyzed for its unflinching look at the moral compromises required to survive in a rapidly changing urban environment. It remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of Australian literary voices during the war years. The narrative style suggests a deliberate attempt to mirror the chaos of the era through the eyes of a disillusioned yet persistent observer.