The novel is set in the Southern United States following the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. It examines the challenges faced by freedmen as they navigate their new status in a society that is still grappling with the aftermath of the war and the social changes it has brought.The story follows a series of events and characters that highlight the complexities and difficulties of life for freedmen. Through satire and social commentary, Goff portrays the struggles of these individuals as they attempt to build new lives and integrate into a society that is often hostile or indifferent to their needs.