In this novel Dr. Cronin continues the story, that began as A Song of Sixpence, of a young man as he reaches adulthood as a doctor. He is certainly not the pious person of his youth. This is an interesting examination as to how one small infraction leads to another as the hero gradually builds a house of cards and watches it collapse. His character is also somewhat Jeckel and Hydemuch of the novel portrays his dark side. Can he ever resurrect his former self?