In his seminary he is noted for his magnificent singing voice, his practical jokes and his good looks which make him inordinately attractive to women.

In his first clerical posting in Ireland, the lady of the manor falls in love with him, but he is seduced by her niece, whom he later marries.

After a period in Spain he is given a second chance and becomes a missionary to India, where he again risks becoming involved with a rich local woman but this time escapes.

The book contains the classic Cronin features of human weakness and failure with ultimate redemption.

The story's narration is by a character "Alec Shannon" who bears a close resemblance to Cronin himself.