Set between the years 1938-48, this is the story of three generations of women living in the same house during the war years. Aggie, the grandmother, is a strong matriarchal figure, who keeps the family together - until her age begins to get to her and Grace, the main central character, starts to look after her. Hetty, the mother, is happily married to Sam but they are tragically killed when a bomb hits the cinema they are in. Grace, Vi and Polly are the daughters whose lives are particularly affected by the outbreak of war and we see how they cope with air raid sirens, rationing, war work - and love.