A well-meaning but misguided woman attempts to rectify a perceived past injustice, inadvertently disrupting the lives of her entire family. Isabel Brocken, a woman of comfortable means and limited foresight, decides to invite a distant cousin into her home to compensate for a long-standing family slight. Her husband and household staff must navigate the chaotic social and domestic consequences of this impulsive act. The narrative explores the friction between idealistic intentions and the practical realities of middle-class life in post-war England.

Margery Sharp is frequently noted for her ability to balance lighthearted comedy with a sharp, observant eye for human foibles. The novel is often cited as a quintessential example of mid-century British social satire, praised for its dry wit and precise character studies. Readers typically find the protagonist's earnest but disastrous meddling to be both frustrating and highly entertaining. The work remains a staple for those interested in the domestic comedies of the era, reflecting a specific cultural milieu with enduring clarity.