[3] The novel tells the story of Harry White, who attempts to rebuild his life after spending six years in a mental institution.

A writer in The Canberra Times noted: "In this, his third novel, George Turner tells an absorbing and often frightening story, technically mature an psychologically satisfying.

"[4] Lisa Hill on the ANZLitLovers Litblog concluded: "The evangelical tone goes into overdrive with the characterisation of Jimmy, whose stoic championing of Harry leads even to the break-up of his relationship because he won’t tolerate prejudice against mental illness.

The author added the following note: "Kilkalla is not modelled on any existing branch of the Department of Mental Hygiene.

To eliminate such confusion I have employed only generalized statements as to the detailed nature of the work carried on there, emphasizing only that it is experimental."