A spiritual and romantic awakening forces a young woman to confront the limitations of her secular existence. Following the sudden death of her twin brother, Catherine Byrne experiences a profound shift in her perception of reality and faith. She navigates the social expectations of early 20th-century England while grappling with an internal conflict between worldly desires and a burgeoning religious vocation. The narrative follows her development through a series of personal losses and encounters that challenge her previous atheistic worldview. The story is presented through a traditional third-person perspective that emphasizes the psychological interiority of the protagonist.

Readers often note the introspective nature of the prose, which prioritizes character development over rapid plot progression. Discussion frequently centers on the authenticity of Catherine's conversion and the way the author handles themes of loss and redemption. Critics have highlighted the book's atmospheric quality, noting how the setting serves as a mirror for the protagonist's internal state. Many readers appreciate the nuanced approach to religious themes, which avoids didacticism in favor of a personal, psychological exploration. The work remains a notable example of mid-century fiction that balances romantic elements with serious existential inquiry.