The incidents depicted in this novel occur during the war of 1939-45 in a small Faroese village as well as in Tórshavn. It is a bleak and dangerous time but at the same time it is a golden age. It is the period when the Faroese sailors through dangerous voyages transferred spectacular wealth to the islands, a time when life changed from poverty to affluence and where a careless risktaking lead to dishonour and immorality.  

The story portrays an image of people living in a sinister world while at the same time uncovering truths which often lie hidden.