The book is easy to read and the plot easy to follow. Few words or phrases won't be understood by any reader. Though there are a few dated passages, mainly in the description of places, the writing is somewhat timeless. The book was copyrighted in 1949 and that was renewed in 1976, but the language and meaning remains functional to a modern-day reader. There are disturbing passages, including descriptions of how some died. Of note are the way dogs and other animals that were penned up typically died of thirst.