It is the first of many novels by Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin (1879–1954), one of the major Australian writers of her time.

Drought and a series of poor business decisions reduce her family to a subsistence level, her father begins to drink excessively, and Sybylla struggles to deal with the monotony of her life.

She finds life there unbearable and eventually suffers a physical breakdown, which leads to her return to the family home.

A 1979 film version, produced by Margaret Fink and directed by Gillian Armstrong, features Judy Davis and Sam Neill in starring roles as Sybylla and Harry.

[6] A theatrical version by Kendall Feaver premiered in December 2020 at the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney.