This work set in Ireland, provides a much local touch as it tells the story of Martin Kelly and the woman he wants to marry. One of the favorite themes of English novelists of the Victorian era, Anthony Trollope runs all through the novel, that is, the pursuit of money for its own sake and the victory of pure sentiments over such greed. The Kellys and the O'Kellys also presents to us many of Trollope's fixations, such as hunting, racing, and gambling. Here we have Trollope's initial attempt at portraying a great country house.

From creating some unforgettable characters to sketching the scenes perfectly, Trollope has done it all in this work. The author has also included the political events of the time, the Repeal movement in Ireland and the trial of Daniel O'Connor, as a backdrop to the central plot. This is the first time in his career that he experimented with a double-plot, a device which he later learned to use with expertise.