The village of Tanygraig on the Welsh-English border is the backdrop of this passionate novel of love and its consequences. Beti, the beautiful and willful daughter of a pub landlord, is pursued by two men: Llew, her aggressive, red-haired cousin, and Evan, the dreamy miller and would-be poet. She must make a choice, but it is not just her future that depends on her decision; for she and Tanygraig are positioned precariously on borders of class, nation, language, and changing times.