Daisy, a teenage girl from New York, is sent to England to live with her cousins whom she has never met. At first, she struggles to adapt but gradually becomes close to them, especially Edmond, with whom she falls in love. Their life in the countryside feels free and peaceful.
This changes when a war breaks out in Europe. The children are left alone as the adults disappear or are away. Their home is taken over, and the cousins are separated. Daisy and Piper try to survive on their own in a dangerous, war-torn landscape.
They face hunger, fear, and loss as they attempt to find safety and reunite with their family. Eventually, Daisy is sent back to the United States, but she is deeply traumatized by what she has experienced.