The early twentieth saw a wild revolutionary change in politics, social order, science and technology.
This is a tale of inspiration – of one family in northern England – when the changes across the social order created opportunities and hope for those wanting to leave poverty behind. In a time when class largely determined your position and political allegiances in society, Bertha, a mother of two, a boy ‘H’ and a girl Barbara, ceases on changing tide. Bertha wants no truck with the world of her neighbors and coworkers. She wants out, and is determined ‘H’ and Barbara will be educated to face the unfolding new world. She risks being ostracized by everyone and by every element that had thus far made up her life – by her friends, her class, her church and the political leaders of the working class society in the town.
Even her husband, Henry, tries to undermine her efforts to educate ‘H’ and Barbara in the newly opening public schools. All looks lost, until Bertha’s hidden past catches up with her present, and Bertha finds even the mistakes of the old order has something to offer as she pushes her kids headlong into the world that is coming, and makes those around her reassess just who they are, and who they could be.