It is 1922 and the aftermath of a horrific war hangs over a talented group of artists as they begin their freshmen year at the Slade School of Fine Art. Artistic ambitions burn bright for Paul Crowley and Jack Trevelyan. The desire to be the greatest artists of their generation is urging them on, but not – they hope – at the cost of their friendship. For the group of talented artists around them, the struggle to establish themselves brings new challenges amid the din of the Roaring Twenties. Conscious of having been spared the horror of the trenches, they strive to make their mark and become the celebrated clique of their generation.

In affluent post Edwardian Melbourne, the lives of two sisters are irrevocably altered as the secrets and misdemeanours of their parents' generation have a devastating impact on theirs. As the belle-epoch and the age of deference are shattered by a conflict begun in Europe, Agnes and Sarah will be challenged as volunteer nurses in a theatre of war that is like no conflict ever previously experienced. Meanwhile, others back home will be forced to confront the sins of their past...