When young peasant woman Maja is married off to humble fisherman Janne, a man she barely knows, they move to the remote island of Stormskerry to begin their family life. Her new environment is not welcoming, with survival a relentless challenge, but Maja soon falls for the rugged beauty and for her new husband. Amidst the hardships of their isolated existence, Maja begins to become aware of a new era for women. The couple have children and life is steady until the Crimean War lands on their doorstep and her journey becomes a test of resilience as she discovers a love that transcends the boundaries of life and death