A group of young bohemians in 1950s Auckland navigates the tension between their artistic aspirations and the encroaching political realities of a national waterfront strike. The protagonist, Curl Skidmore, attempts to reconcile his intellectual ambitions and romantic desires with the insular, idyllic life of the Takapuna shoreline. As his peers depart for Europe and the government enforces strict labor policies, the characters must confront the fragility of their sheltered existence. The narrative employs a reflective, observational tone to capture the specific cultural atmosphere of post-war New Zealand.

This work is often recognized for its precise, evocative portrayal of a specific time and place in New Zealand history. The narrative style suggests a focus on the intersection of private artistic development and public political upheaval. Readers likely find the character studies of the bohemian community to be the primary strength of the text. The prose reflects a careful attention to the nuances of the era, grounding the characters' grand ambitions in the tangible reality of the Auckland coast.