The book is a social commentary on the life and times of the wealthy and their disillusionment with the American Dream. The story follows the lives of Anthony Patch and his wife, Gloria, as they navigate the high-society world of New York in the early 20th century. As they wait for Anthony's inheritance, they indulge in the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy, but soon find themselves consumed by their own decadence and excess. The Beautiful and Damned is a powerful exploration of the emptiness of wealth, the consequences of self-indulgence, and the eventual disillusionment that follows. Through the lives of its characters, the book provides a vivid and captivating portrayal of the social and cultural changes of the Jazz Age.