It is about bohemian and aimless urban life in the author's own generation.
The novel became a breakthrough for Waltari, who previously had been a writer of religious poetry and horror short stories.
[1] The novel begins with a description of the feast in Mrs. Spindel's salon.
Mrs. Spindel was modeled on Minna Craucher (1891–1932), a real-life salon manager known for her dubious reputation.
[2] The book was the basis for the 1985 film Grand Illusion directed by Tuija-Maija Niskanen.