Blackball, West Coast, pre-World War I. Three youngsters; Pansy, Clem and Otto. Life had an idyllic surface with a far from idyllic underside for youngsters in this mining town. As a World War approaches, the harsh realities become apparent - just because you are smart and motivated there is no certainty that you can advance yourself in this world, especially if you are a girl. With a light hand on a dark time in history, Paddy Richardson navigates the territory between "Denniston Rose" and "Birdsong" with great skill. Characters you want to cry for battle on against themselves, family, society and world events.