When pampered Thea falls in love with a "Nobody from some island," her parents reluctantly agree to the marriage, fearing a turbulent and unsafe future for their beloved daughter. Unstable times in pre-war Germany, Ernst's involvement with the National Socialistic Party's activities and 18 year old Thea's unrealistic expectations, provide the foundation for a passionate and tumultuous life and marriage. They move to the island of Borkum where Ernst begins his career as Burgermeister. Children begin to arrive and Thea is left alone when Ernst volunteers for the front. Thea and her...