 The novel is largely concerned with the activities of a group of anthropologists, and is to some extent based on the author's own experiences working at the International African Institute in London.Pym wrote, "[i]t is surely appropriate that anthropologists, who spend their time studying life and behaviour in various societies should be studied in their turn" .The central character, Catherine, is considered by many to represent the author, being a writer of short stories who observes the actions of other characters with an air of detachment.