A star architect flees the meaninglessness of his life into the heart of Africa to build a hospital for leprosy patients. He is on the verge of finding his peace of mind when he is confronted by the world he sought to escape, in the form of a bigoted settler and a sensational reporter. Greene's thrilling novel demonstrates that a "burned-out case" does not have to be hopeless. He also reveals himself in this novel as a master of brilliant construction, engaging plot, and simple, clear language.