It is a satirical portrayal of the upper-class society in 19th century England, following the lives and experiences of the Newcome family. The main character, Colonel Thomas Newcome, is a retired military man who tries to adjust to life in high society. Through his experiences, Thackeray critiques the superficiality and materialism of the upper class and explores themes of morality, love, and family. The book is considered a classic of English literature and is well-known for its witty and humorous writing style.