At the turn of the last century, in the north of England, a family struggles to survive. It could be the story of any number of real people, and indeed, it just may be... Da` has gone to India with the Army, leaving Ma to fend for the children. Jim is a good strong lad, but gets into trouble; Katie works in the big house, where the master ruthlessly takes advantage of her youthful beauty; and poor young Mick contracts tuberculosis. The family must face and conquer these trials, and there is one thing that helps to strengthen their tortured hearts in these, their darkest hours - their love and kinship, and their faith. A gritty, yet life-affirming tale of the triumph of the human spirit and kindness over grinding poverty and seemingly insurmountable odds.