Pastoral is set in post-World War II England. The story follows a young couple, John and Helen Lawrence, who leave London to start a new life in the countryside. They purchase a farm and begin the hard work of making it profitable. Along the way, they face challenges and hardships, including a devastating drought and the threat of bankruptcy. However, they persevere and ultimately find success in their new life. The novel explores themes of determination, hard work, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.