In Kingdom County, Vermont during the year 1956, young Austin arrives by train, greeted by his grandfather, Austin Sr., who picks him up in a weathered truck. Initially, Austin Sr. presents himself as the meanest person in the county, echoing his sentiments in a rather colorful way that is edited out on TV, making it unclear just how gruff he really is. Despite this tough exterior, there are glimmers of warmth and affection in his character.
Upon arriving at their home, Austin meets his grandmother, Abiah, who initially seems kinder than her husband. However, Abiah can also exhibit a stern side. Their household lacks electricity, with Abiah staunchly refusing to have it, even while battling persistent flies, which modern conveniences could alleviate. Surprisingly, it is revealed that Austin Sr., while somewhat conservative, runs a sawmill and is quite amenable to having power brought in if it benefits his business, despite Abiah's opposition.
They own a variety of livestock, including cows and chickens, and cultivate a maple tree grove for sap and an apple orchard tended by Abiah, all of which demand much hard work. Young Austin finds himself responsible for chores he neither enjoys nor is inclined to do, including the dreaded hunting trips that his grandfather insists they undertake together.
Austin soon uncovers the complex dynamics between his grandparents, having lived under the same roof for fifty years. They had three children together, but he realizes that in his absence, they might not even converse. Austin Sr. carries the emotional weight of a past relationship with an Inuit woman known as Mira, whose untimely death left a lasting mark on him, leading him to settle for Abiah. In a curious twist, Abiah, fascinated by Egypt, nicknames Austin "Tut," referencing the young king due to his resemblance, while also hinting at her daughters' ambitions that Austin Sr. dismisses.
Education becomes a contentious topic, as Austin Sr. believes it detracts from hard work and disapproves of Austin's father’s profession as a teacher. Visits from Austin's dad occur occasionally, but Austin stays with his grandparents for an extended period, eventually attending school where he befriends Theresa, a cheerful girl from a struggling family. Austin Sr. holds prejudiced views towards the Dubois family for their French background, believing poverty to be self-inflicted, while also showing disdain for political figures like Adlai Stevenson.
As the story unfolds, Austin faces life’s lessons, grappling with family dynamics, the concept of responsibility, and confronting both humor and sorrow. A highlight of the narrative comes when his grandparents enter a rivalry at the maple festival's syrup contest, each showcasing their skills. Throughout his journey, Austin discovers personal growth and the true essence of family, marked by moments of laughter and lessons learned amidst tragic realities.
