Nick Colonna is a young veteran returning from Iraq to the coast of Maine after an IED explosion kills his entire crew and leaves him deaf. Struggling with trauma, Nick finds solace in memories of nearby Amber Island—a private sanctuary owned by a Boston family set on development, much to the despair of its youngest daughter, Julia. As Nick battles his inner demons, Julia fights her family, and Amber Island faces demolition, Carpenter raises questions about what survives carnage and loss and where—in a divided and chaotic world—is there room for peace and silence.