内容简介：
As the daughter of a narrowboat man, Beth Dawson has grown up on the network of canals that criss-crosses England. In the years that follow the First World War, the jobs of the boatmen are threatened by the expansion of roads and railways. Discontent simmers, and the workers' union - led by Anthony Wesley - is stirring up trouble. When Beth witnesses Anthony being beaten up in a dark alley by a group of men, she runs to fetch help. She sees the dark figure of Harry Allen lingering in the shadows, leading the vicious gang's attack, and soon finds herself caught up in events that spiral out of control.