The plot of the novel unfolds in the Byzantine era, specifically in the 10th century. It is the story of two youths, Asotis Taronitis and Alexios Argyris, who are captured by the Bulgarians when they take Thessaloniki in 995.

"For the Homeland" is Delta's first novel. Her interest in writing was closely intertwined with what she perceived as a need for the education of Greek children. Her declared goal remained throughout her life to awaken "in Greek children [...] beautiful and noble ideals." In this regard, the two axes around which her novel revolves are characteristic. One is patriotism, and the other is the noble feelings that connect the central heroes: the unselfish friendship of the two boys and the self-sacrificing love of the young couples, Miroslava and Asotis, Alexios and Thekla.

"For the Homeland" received a favorable reception. The letters she received from Al. Pallis, K. Palamas, Arg. Eftaliotis, M. Triantafyllidis, and Al. Delmouzos are laudatory, acknowledging the strength of the plot, the accuracy of the events, and its patriotic sentiment. Today, a hundred years after its first publication, "For the Homeland" is still read with pleasure. This is because it is, like all of Delta’s other novels, a concise lesson in history.

This new, revised edition includes an epilogue by Tonya Kiousopoulou (Professor of Byzantine History at the University of Crete) and a chronology by Al. P. Zannas (editor of P. S. Delta’s works), which mentions significant events in Penelope Delta's life, as well as parallel events in the political, social, and spiritual life in Greece and the world.