The relationship between the two women becomes strained after an incident where Katherine hits a mysterious creature with the roo bar on their four-wheel drive.

When Katherine begins to hear voices from the well and becomes racked with guilt, Hester goes to extreme measures to maintain her influence over her young ward.

Drusilla Modjeska said in The Sydney Morning Herald, "Jolley's characteristic wit and humour is here but it doesn't dominate.

"[3] The Times and Democrat said, "This novel demonstrates once again that Elizabeth Jolley is a writer of wit, high moral purpose and great conviction.

The film was directed by Samantha Lang, from a screenplay by Laura Jones and featured Pamela Rabe and Miranda Otto.