Jon Darrow, a man gifted with psychic abilities, struggles to reconcile his spiritual calling with the overwhelming temptations of his past as he re-enters the secular world in 1940. Having spent years as an Anglo-Catholic monk, Darrow finds his return to society fraught with the resurgence of his former, less scrupulous identity. He must navigate the complex social and ecclesiastical hierarchies of the Church of England while attempting to maintain his integrity and his burgeoning relationship with Anne. The narrative, presented with psychological depth, examines the tension between divine service and the corrupting influence of personal ambition and supernatural talent.

This work is widely regarded as a significant entry in the Starbridge series, noted for its intricate character development and thematic ambition. Readers often highlight the author's ability to weave personal spiritual crises into the broader tapestry of ecclesiastical history. The narrative is frequently praised for its nuanced portrayal of a protagonist who is both deeply flawed and profoundly sympathetic. The book's exploration of the burden of psychic gifts within a religious framework provides a distinct perspective that distinguishes it from standard historical dramas. Its enduring popularity suggests that the psychological stakes remain compelling for contemporary audiences.