Sets a realistic scene of the extended period of social turmoil during the era of the Great Depression. History, including the politics of the time and experiences of true-to-life characters, unleashes shocking truths from a closet that has long been sealed. Prejudices of the time influence the lives of the diverse characters as hate, violence, and adversity are at a constant balance between love, gaiety, and humour. In the midst of these surroundings, a single-parent father struggles for the survival of his family as he attempts to raise and educate his son in a multi-ethnic, northern community. A series of women play important roles in his life and neighbours interact during crises to strengthen their neighbourhood bond. The father's ambition for his son, the son's reactions, and love and tragedy bring this novel to a historic conclusion.