From adventure to fantasy to romance, the reader encounters all the following: a man having to deal with immortality, another with a chance for redemption while standing on the gallows, a woman finding new meaning in life, two Newfoundlanders who change the fashion world, an Indian boy fleeing from a residential school, and many more.

In a world emerging from nuclear winter, Henry Barton sets out to find other humans. He survived in a cabin in northern Alberta near Swan Hills, sustained by the memory of his wife, who encouraged him. On his search for others he meets Nestor, who is reluctant to accompany him south toward civilization. Later he meets Wayne, half mad after the loss of his wife. When Henry reaches the town of Barrhead, he meets two women and a man who view him as their savior. He goes onto Edmonton where he loses his wife when he finally realizes that she is dead. Returning to Swan Hills he discovers why...

When Leonora Popescu witnesses the 1940 Dorohoi massacre while fleeing with her two children from the Soviets, her travail has just started. Although raised in a well-to-do home, she needs all the strength she has to survive and keep her children fed. Her husband, Peter, survives Stalingrad by being wounded. After he recovers they are again separated when he is sent back to the eastern front. Leonora continues to move west to avoid falling into Soviet hands. Driven by a need to stay faithful to her marriage vows, she spurns chances for an easier life. This makes her reunion with Peter, after...

As Johnny Fist faces the gallows, he is given a chance for redemption. This involves reliving the pain he caused to some of his victims. He cannot die until he comes to terms with this reality.