An oddity amongst her friends and family, sixteen-year-old Shannon is sent to her Aunt Edith's house in a country town, to give her an opportunity in life. There, as unpaid help, she meets a strange array of people and finds two friends; one introduces her to boys, the other to the world of books.

Europe, on the edge of disaster, is a world away from Shannon, absorbed in the exciting life of radio. When she encounters the idealism of the Proletarian Movement, she plunges wholeheartedly into their activities, giving it all her time and energy, while her friend Beryl aims for material security. When personal tragedy strikes, Shannon questions the lifestyle she has adopted.

Shannon returns to political activity to organize the electoral campaign for her old flame from the Abbey of Human Brotherhood. After years in the city, Shannon becomes disillusioned and seeks to escape, despite two ardent suitors. A crisis in her Aunt Edith's life gives Shannon the excuse to return home, leading to an unexpected and romantic union.