The characters in this book struggle with poverty, mental illness, and tragic events and violence in their lives. They do it valiantly, though, and sometimes they gain the upper hand. Sometimes not. And occassionally they cannot ignore the suffering of others and decide to offer a helping hand to their neighbor. But, when that neighbor is a young, vulnerable girl, or a handsome, older man, the boundaries get easily crossed, and what has started as an innocent friendship can quickly evolve into something much more intense, dark, and devastating.

Inspired by Jane Eyre and other great works of literature, this is a story of Emma and Samuel and their quest for freedom, atonement, and love.