Jacko McKenzie, an Australian fisherman, and Jimmy Oldcorn, an American soldier, meet as prisoners during the Korean War. Their friendship is forged through hunger, brutality and the struggle to survive captivity. After the war, Jimmy follows Jacko to Tasmania, where both men try to rebuild lives altered by trauma. Their story expands across decades and countries, involving family, business, love and the fishing industry that gives them a new purpose. The novel also follows Nicole Lenoir, whose own history becomes deeply connected with theirs. Bryce Courtenay combines war, adventure and family saga in a broad narrative about loyalty between men, the long effects of violence and the determination to create opportunity after devastating loss.