A group of struggling painters and decorators in Edwardian England grapple with the harsh realities of poverty and exploitation while one of their own attempts to ignite their political consciousness. Frank Owen, a socialist visionary, works alongside his peers in the building trade, observing the systemic injustices that keep them in a cycle of destitution. He faces constant opposition from his coworkers, who are conditioned to accept their low wages and precarious employment as inevitable. The narrative follows their daily labor and personal struggles, utilizing a realistic, observational framework to expose the economic mechanisms of their time. The story is constrained by the physical exhaustion of the workers and the looming threat of the workhouse.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the book's enduring relevance regarding labor rights and economic inequality. Discussion often centers on the balance between the bleak reality of the workers' lives and the sharp, satirical humor employed by the author. Many observers note that the narrative effectively translates complex political theory into accessible, human terms through the experiences of the painters. The pacing is often described as deliberate, allowing for a thorough examination of the social conditions of the era. It remains a significant point of reference for those interested in the history of socialist thought and the representation of the working class in literature.