When a young girl, Elżbieta Kaminska, is raped, she vows to avenge her perpetrator. The only witness to the vicious crime is a silver samovar, which becomes a constant painful reminder as well as being a comforting crutch. As life takes its toll on the young Elżbieta, Father Stanisław becomes her rock, but he cannot obliterate the dark shadows shrouding her life. A vile rapist on the loose; an abusive, self-seeking 'father'; Zygmunt Chmielowski's secret connection; loss and rejection all have their part to play, and a dashing soldier, Paweł Jaroszynski, adds a certain intrigue. Elżbieta has a huge mountain to climb, and only the peak can bring her the ultimate peace she craves. Will the silver samovar forevermore remain a symbol of despair, or will it bring Elżbieta the hope and freedom she desires?