This story describes the life and times of two Irish families who decided to emigrate to Canada in the 1820's. Written by a descendant, it brings together many historical documents, letters written by family members and others, and stories handed down over the years of the difficulties faced in the new world. It begins with a brief summary of the situation in Ireland, explaining the conditions there. It describes the very difficult voyage across the Atlantic and the primitive state of Quebec, Montreal and Ottawa. The effort required to reach their homestead, the community working together to clear the land and build log homes and the work of young men in the lumber camps all bring into focus the immense task they took on. Towards the end of the 1820's, the construction of the Rideau Canal, led by Colonel By provided work for many of the men. Olive Caldwell Lee lives in the lower mainland of British Columbia. She was raised on a farm in Fallowfield, close to the original homesteads of the Caldwells and Argues, the families whose lives are described in the book.