The potato plants are turning black, their leaves curling and crumbling. No one understands the reason why, especially Allie McCreary. She thinks of Ireland as magical and can't imagine living anywhere else. The green hills appeal to her senses, a feast for her eyes. Most of the Irish people she knows are optimistic, and after last year's dreadful crop, most believed this year would be different. And, everyone thought that way as the new crops began to grow and look like they were supposed to, until it happened, again.

But the potatoes were just the beginning. Widespread starvation was followed by social upheaval. When the McCreary's landowners, the Farradays, find their property and possessions stripped away, Allie's life becomes entangled with them as both families fight to survive in the same world.

The Farradays have two boys, Patrick, 17, and Brody, 14, and Allie clashes with Brody, not realizing her own affection towards him. Her stubbornness is both a blessing and a curse. She and the Farraday boys must find a better way to live. With the help of Mr. Farraday, Allie's mother gathers enough money to send her to America. Alone on the ship, Allie is embroiled in a mutiny and tries to help the Captain. This should be a journey for a better life, but it is a journey she may not survive.