This novel tells of Alfred Cameron and his f amily who all enjoy a life of luxury. But their family firm is in danger from the encroaching railways and Luther Gunnet , who will do anything to raise his family up from the slums . '

Set in Victorian Glasgow, this story chronicles the rise and fall of two very different families: the Camerons - wealthy, respectable and secure; and the Gunnets - struggling to survive amid the desperate poverty of the slums. One snow-swept night, tragic events shatter the world of the Camerons.