In a world of relentless poverty and harsh punishment, 17-year-old Sue Trindall scratches a living selling buttons and dreams of a better future. When she is deceived by the dark charms of blacksmith Jack Straker, her life is torn apart and she is banished from her home. Sanctuary in the remote village of Imber gives an opportunity to seek retribution - but an enchanting pearl button twists her life on to a path she could not have imagined.

Steeped in the rich lyricism and storytelling tradition of British folk songs, this haunting tale of love and tragedy is played out against the notorious Swing riots of 1830, when the quiet fields of England blazed with violence and fires in the night.