Recounting the protagonist's troubled life, this tale tells the story of Reuben Daniels, reared in a South Wales industrial valley in the bosom of the Nonconformist culture. Therein lies his downfall and that of his people in this chronicle of utter oppostition to Welsh Nonconformity. Throughout the account, Revivalist passions create a perverse outlet for an all-too-human sexuality that chapel culture has otherwise repressed. Nonconformity ultimately withers the root of natural sexual well-being in the Welsh and then feeds off the twisted fruits.

Rhys Davies was one of the most prolific Welsh prose writers of the 20th century who is best known for his more than 100 short stories. He also wrote 18 novels and a successful play as well as several works of nonfiction.