Bertram Pollard is a former soldier who comes back home after World War One. His home, as his country, is deeply divided by war and politics. One of his sisters is married to a German, the other fancies left-wing Irish republican wanted by the police. His brother is a member of the Black and Tans, the Royal Irish Reserve. His wife on the other hand is an upper-class lady who cares very little for left wing elements of the society. Bertram is, however, painfully aware of the issues on the both sides and that causes tension and distance between him and his loved ones.