The marathon dance craze flourished during the 1930s, offering a brief escape from the harsh realities of the Great Depression. But beneath the glitz and glamour lay a dark and violent competition, unknown to most ballrooms. This is the world that Horace McCoy's classic American novel plunges into, capturing the desperation and determination of its participants.

McCoy's narrative is both a gripping tale of endurance and a poignant commentary on the era. The novel meticulously documents the physical and emotional toll on the dancers, making it a powerful read that resonates with the struggles of the time.