The story begins with flashbacks to Tommo's early life in rural Devon, England. The Peaceful family faces tragedy when Tommo's father dies trying to save him from a falling tree, an incident that leaves Tommo carrying a deep sense of guilt. Tommo grows up closely alongside his siblings—Big Joe, an intellectually disabled brother who loves animals, and Charlie, his protective and capable older brother. The trio, joined by their schoolfriend Molly, share adventures but must also navigate poverty and the harsh rule of their strict aunt, Grandma Wolf.
As the children grow into teenagers, both Tommo and Charlie fall in love with Molly. Ultimately, Molly and Charlie marry and have a child, which causes a brief rift between the brothers, though they reconcile. Their peaceful rural life is suddenly interrupted by the onset of World War I. Because of social pressure from their landlord and a desire to stick together, Charlie and Tommo enlist in the British Army, leaving Molly and the baby behind.
The horrors of the Western Front severely test the brothers. While Tommo is injured and suffers from shell shock, Charlie's strong sense of morality repeatedly brings him into conflict with their cruel Sergeant Major, Hanley. When Charlie refuses to leave an injured Tommo behind during a dangerous retreat, the Sergeant Major brands him a coward and charges him with insubordination. Charlie is court-martialed and sentenced to death by a firing squad.
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