A poet-detective infiltrates a secret society of anarchists, only to discover that the organization is far more complex and paradoxical than he initially imagined. Gabriel Syme, a man dedicated to maintaining order, finds himself recruited into a clandestine police force tasked with monitoring anarchist activity. He successfully infiltrates the Central Anarchist Council, where each member is named after a day of the week, and he is elected as 'Thursday.' The narrative follows a surreal, dream-like progression as Syme navigates shifting loyalties, absurd confrontations, and a reality that seems to dissolve into metaphysical uncertainty.

Readers and critics frequently categorize this work as a metaphysical thriller that defies simple genre classification. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to blend lighthearted satire with deep existential inquiry regarding the nature of authority and human perception. Many highlight the dream-like pacing, noting that the story intentionally abandons logical consistency to mirror the chaotic nature of the protagonist's internal state. The balance between the frantic action sequences and the dense philosophical debates remains a primary point of interest for those examining the text's enduring relevance. Scholars often emphasize how the narrative serves as an allegory for the struggle between nihilism and faith in the modern era.