Nellie Parkin is a young woman of spirit and intellect.The advent of WW1 frees her from the drudgery of the mill, enabling her to become a nursing aide at the front of battle. Here, strong relationships are formed, and friendships are cemented. Fascinated by the problems facing the fighting men - in particular the victims of the so-called "Shell shock," Nellie reads as much as she can regarding the effects this shock has on the brain. Back at home, her journey of discovery continues, as she seeks the education needed in order to challenge the existing status quo in the current medical thinking...