Set in Trinidad, the novel is a description of the comical circumstances surrounding a local election. There are various characters from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds depicted in the story.

The story in short is about Mr. Harbans, who is contesting in an election from Elvira. He comes to the place to win the support of Chittaranjan and Baksh, who are leaders of the Hindu and Muslim groups there, respectively. The character sketch of the people at Elvira, given by Naipaul is simply amazing. The other characters in the story are Foam, Lorkhoor, Preacher, Ramlogan, and so on. We can compare the story with the usual tactics and situations prevailing during elections in the rural areas everywhere. But one point to be noted is that each character here is good at heart, though the appearance is deceptive. Going forward we see the election propagandas and tactics, the supporters of the opposing group, the humane gestures and incidents, and finally how Harbans wins over the elections.

A short, but well-crafted novel with lots of unique characters.