When Jenny Pullman discovers her great-grandmother Jessie's diary she finds herself enthralled by the contents. Written in the last years of the 19th century, it follows Jessie's life from poor beginnings through to her marriage and pregnancy, when she has nobody to confide in but her diary. Born in Jamaica Place tenements on the Isle of Dogs, Jessie dreams of a better life. As the daughter of a docker excelling at school is Jessie's only salvation. When she gets a job at the Telephone Exchange and after years of learning to speak nicely, Jessie's earnings allow her to indulge in her one delight - singing. Joining the choir at the People's Palace, she attracts the attention of James 'Jim' Medway. To a girl from such humble beginnings Jim looks like a good catch. But married life isn't a bed of roses. Pregnant with their first child, Jessie suspects that Jim is seeking his pleasures elsewhere. With nobody to confide in can Jessie weather the storm clouds ahead and make a good life for herself and her baby?