: It explores the psychological adjustment of returning to a place that is now unrecognizable. Written in the late 1960s about the 1930s, some modern readers find its treatment of female characters and sexual relationships somewhat "chauvinistic" or "male-minded" by today’s standards.

: It is recommended for dedicated fans of Delderfield as an interesting look at his development as a writer, though it lacks the epic scale of his later works like the Swann Saga or The Avenue .

: Readers generally find Delderfield’s characterization "superb" and the story "highly readable," even if it is not considered his absolute best work.