A tender story following the fortunes of a conscientious objector in the First World War and its aftermath. Ruth has her tranquil world torn apart when both her brother Edwin and her friend Owen go off to war. Owen is appalled by his experiences at the Front and becomes a conscientious objector. For the rest of the war he works in an army prison hospital, writing to Ruth to explain his decision.But when he returns home what kind of welcome will he receive from a small community that has already castigated a local teacher who appealed against military service? And how will this affect his future with Ruth? A thoughtful representation of a controversial subject, beginning with the age of innocence and following Owen and Ruth's relationship until the unthinkable happens and war breaks out again.