[3] The book is divided into four large chapters: "The Exile," "The Pullman Porter," "The Chicago Politician," and "The Maharaja of Bwodphur".

The plot follows a character named Matthew Townes, a college student in his junior year at the University of Manhattan studying to be an obstetrician.

Early in the novel, Townes is told that not only is he barred from pursuing his career aspirations, he is not allowed to finish his academic studies.

She reassures Towns of the importance of the history of people of color in the world, and of their presence and impact of their beauty worldwide.

[citation needed] The relationship between Townes and the princess develops; she bears his child, who by birthright is the Maharajah of Bwodpur.

[6] In developing the character of Kautilya, Du Bois has been discussed as possibly drawing inspiration from a few historical figures.