The O'Rourke family is hit with sudden and unexpected tragedy, then they suffer through one of the worst food shortages in Ireland's history. The resulting struggle for the family forces young Joseph to take the brunt of his father's rage and abuse. However, his loving and patient mother makes life bearable--until Joseph's newfound love causes his father's anger and prejudice to become even more cruel and dangerous. Young Joseph is forced from his home in an act of self-preservation, only to be devastated by a new tragedy that tests Joseph's faith and hope.

Will Mr. O'Rourke's anger and abuse destroy his family, or is there any chance for his redemption and restoration? Follow the O'Rourke family's saga of nineteenth-century Irish life through the journal entries of a teenage boy named Joseph as he experiences life and grows into a man of faith.