Its 1970. Gilley has just emigrated from England with his Canadian bride. He has to adapt to the Canadian lifestyle as well as get along with his in-laws and find a job that fits his English credentials. The reader shares in Gilley's exploits as he has his first Aboriginal encounter in Whistler, BC to his first drink of Coors Beer in San Francisco, California. He loves his new life style as there so many opportunities to be had. At the same time, his wife longs to return to England where she loved the English way of life. Where will they end up? All the while the Magpie spirit in his soul is calling him to greater things. After all, not all that glitters is gold.