This dystopian drama tells of prosperous farmer Clay, who marries wealthy and spoiled Diana. She had considered Evan, a handsome evangelist, but rejected him because he was poor. Diana's crusading sister, Jan, sees worth in Evan's work and joins him. The four intertwined lives are reaching for far different goals. When disaster strikes the farmlands, hunger follows, giving the state and church an opportunity to seize control. Clay struggles to keep his land, and Diana decides she has made a bad bargain. Evan disappoints Jan by doubting his calling. As they each struggle toward what they perceive as right, circumstances and world events determine their fate. Their survival becomes uncertain. Then, nothing else matters.