Blackball, West Coast, pre-World War I. Three youngsters; Pansy, Clem and Otto. Life had an idyllic surface with a far from idyllic underside for youngsters in this mining town. As a World War approaches, the harsh realities become apparent — just because you are smart and motivated there is no certainty that you can advance yourself in this world, especially if you are a girl. Characters you want to cry for battle on against themselves, family, society and world events.