Set in Indiana during the Civil War, the story revolves around the Birdwell family, devout Quakers who grapple with their pacifist beliefs amidst the turmoil of the era. The family, led by the gentle and wise Jess and his spirited wife Eliza, faces various challenges that test their convictions, from dealing with the pressures of war to navigating everyday life and relationships. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores themes of faith, love, and the moral complexities of adhering to one's principles in a world fraught with conflict.