Kathy Kelly, born in the heart of Glasgow's East End, comes from a family torn apart by conflict. She grows up with a sharp wit and a quick temper, constantly challenging those who cross her: her reproving grandmother, Con, her hard-drinking father, even the local priest - Kathy takes no prisoners. But at least she copes, unlike her older brother Peter, who disappears as fast as he can. Kathy also escapes - to the Highlands. Here she finds work and a home with the Macdonalds, an eccentric, easy-going couple.

But Con's death drags Kathy back to Glasgow, where she is forced to look at things afresh, at past events and the people she knew so well - and begin the search for her missing brother, a search which will result in an extraordinary, devastating discovery.