A young English officer finds himself entangled in the chaotic and eccentric lives of his relatives residing in the Far East during the volatile post-World War I era. Captain Georges Hamlet Alexander Diabologh serves as the narrator, documenting his observations while stationed with a sprawling, dysfunctional Belgian family. His objective is to navigate the social and personal absurdities of his hosts, who are defined by their neuroses and unpredictable behaviors. The narrative framework relies on the protagonist's dry, conceited perspective to frame the shifting boundaries between comedy and tragedy in a world destabilized by revolution and war.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the author's ability to balance sharp, biting humor with a profound sense of underlying tragedy. Discussion often centers on the narrator's detached and conceited voice, which serves as a lens for the bizarre cast of characters surrounding him. Many observers note the stylistic influence of Russian literature, particularly the works of Gogol, in the way the prose handles absurdity. The pacing is often described as deliberate, focusing more on the psychological quirks of the family than on traditional plot progression. Readers appreciate the work for its unique tone, which remains distinct from other novels of the early twentieth century.