After her marriage falls apart

The headstrong Louise moves back to the family farm in southwest Ontario. She quickly builds a chicken business and blackberry business that bring in more cash than the rest of the farm put together. Within three years, customers from Toronto to Windsor are lining up to buy her product at premium prices.

Returning home and memories

Being home brings back a flood of memories—including her lifelong sibling rivalry with her sister, Nora, who their mother considers a grand success. It makes no sense to Louise, who is viewed as a failure even though she has money that she’s invested wisely. Nora, meanwhile, has a grouchy husband, three brats, and a crummy house.

Reflections on life choices

Louise’s life choices have placed her in conflict on many fronts; and yet she enjoys some great memories from childhood, including the days she went fishing with her father, collected sap from maple trees, and how the family stayed afloat during the Great Depression.

Final venture

Sensing that she is approaching her final days, Louise decides on one last venture to right some wrongs, overcome a bitter enemy, and possibly leave a legacy.