The novel is a sprawling tale of power, ambition, and the American dream, set in the modern-day metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia. It follows the intertwined lives of several characters, including a self-made real estate mogul whose empire is teetering on the brink of collapse, a young man incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit, and an ambitious lawyer caught between corporate politics and his own conscience. Through a vivid tapestry of society's upper echelons and the struggles of those on the lower rungs, the narrative delves into themes of racial tension, personal integrity, and the relentless pursuit of status, painting a panoramic portrait of a city and its inhabitants striving to maintain their footing in a world in full flux.

The 6421st greatest book of all time