A liberal-minded priest finds his progressive views on theology and church authority in direct conflict with the rigid, traditionalist hierarchy of his Australian diocese. Father James Maitland returns from studies in Europe to a parish where his intellectual curiosity and modern interpretations of faith are viewed with suspicion by his conservative superiors. He must navigate the delicate balance between his personal conscience and his vows of obedience while dealing with the fallout of a controversial book he has written. The narrative follows his internal struggle as he faces institutional pressure and the scrutiny of a bishop determined to maintain the status quo.

This novel is widely regarded as a sharp, insightful examination of the internal politics and theological tensions within the Catholic Church during a period of significant transition. Critics often highlight Keneally's ability to humanize the clerical experience, moving beyond simple caricatures to present a nuanced portrait of faith under pressure. The narrative is noted for its intellectual rigor and its refusal to offer easy resolutions to the protagonist's moral dilemmas. Readers frequently point to the author's precise prose and his skill in capturing the atmosphere of a rigid, tradition-bound institution struggling to reconcile with a changing world.