In a series of separate but subtly linked stories, McConnells traces a family from the modern day Philip, who leaves his terrorist life; back through his uncle Seamus, who was the first to strike a blow for Ireland. Further back, Daniel fights for the British in WWl, after his ancestors escaped the famines and went to America. The adventures of Mickey follow his Scottish ancestor Mac, who came after Fancy and the lapsed monk, Brendon. Sinead makes contact with the first Norman conquerors and the earliest member of the family, Con travels over from France, in prehistorical times to begin a dynasty of ordinary people.