Eva is a 14-year-old student living under the oppressive control of her single mother, Gertrude, in the village of Cheviot Hills in the United Kingdom. Eva has vague memories of a happier early childhood, but cannot recall why. Gertrude refuses to speak of Eva's father, reacting with bitterness whenever he is mentioned. Despite their tense relationship, Eva and Gertrude are bound together, the only family each has.