Newcastle, 1946. 19-year-old Jack Smeaton returns from the trenches, his hair turned white by the traumas of WWII. He seeks solace in socialism, falling under the spell of the young T Dan Smith, visionary future leader of the city council, architect of tower blocks and sculpted concrete. Meanwhile, the future of Monica Blacklock, victim of a childhood of abuse, seems unremittingly bleak. A chance encounter with a handsome young man on the banks of the river Tyne looks set to change her life for the better. But handsome, psychopathic Brian Mooney has plans for Monica. In fact, Brian has plans for lots of people ...A gripping tale of passion and violence, desire and revenge, spanning four tumultuous decades.