It is a multi-layered story which often places a particular emphasis on exploring and chronicling the city of London, its history, literature, culture and people.

The main character of the anti-colonial novel is usually an Englishman who has friends among the local population and does not support the British colonial policy.

It depicts colonial life, usually of Anglo-African or Anglo-Asian worlds, with a bit satirical and gloomy tone, deprived of any romantic touch

It often portrays the hero being disillusioned with the life and dissatisfied with his job and the society where he is unfit.