The story is set in the frame of impending disaster; the readers know that the cliff on which the Inn is set is cracking—and that only sixteen will survive its collapse. And against this time drama is played. The family that run the Inn are ignorant of its probable fate; it is only by chance that one of the staff happens on a letter, negligently left unopened, and containing a warning. The guests are held together by hate—by suspicion—by greed—by anger. There is readily imagined symbolism here, and more than a suggestion of comparison with The Bridge of San Luis Rey. But there is a tenous thread of good, and now here, now there, a softening influence emerges, ultimately to bring part of the group together for "the feast"—which alone saves them from destruction. A haunting sort of story.—Kirkus Reviews