The first parts of the book looks into the life of Archie Mulley, who during his early years, befriends a part aboriginal boy. But their friendship is shattered by a tragic incident and they go their separate ways. On the other hand, Virginia Moreton, a young country girl has moved to West Melbourne after her father inherited the family home. Her father, however, died and she was forced to work in a local factory to make ends meet. Archie, with his wife Marilyn, took Virginia in after her attempt at taking a new direction is thwarted by prejudice and misguided relationships in the work place. The story follows Virginia's struggles to create a new life.