The narrative presents a deeply moving story of Thomas "Tommo" Peaceful, whose vivid memories trace back from his childhood to the harrowing experiences of World War I. Central to Tommo's life is his elder brother, "Big Joe," who, due to complications at birth, demands constant care and attention from his younger siblings. As Tommo reflects on his formative years before the "Great War," he fondly recalls his adventurous escapades with his brothers, Charlie Peaceful and Big Joe. These adventures are characterized by mischief, exploration, and encounters with the formidable "Grandma Wolf" (their great-aunt), known to them as the Wolfwoman. A particularly thrilling moment in their childhood was witnessing their first airplane, a memory that remains etched in Tommo's heart.
As the tale unfolds, the Peaceful brothers, Charlie, Molly, and later Tommo, find work within their estate or village, with Charlie taking on the role of protector for his younger siblings. However, this relationship becomes precarious as Charlie grows closer to Molly, the girl Tommo secretly admired. This burgeoning romance creates a rift among the brothers, with Tommo feeling increasingly isolated. Unbeknownst to him, Charlie and Molly have been discreetly meeting by the brook, fostering an intimate bond that leads to Molly's unexpected pregnancy, resulting in her rejection from home and her subsequent refuge with the Peaceful family.
The storyline takes a dramatic turn when Charlie and Molly hastily marry in a village church, leaving Tommo heartbroken as he confronts this new reality. Compounding his despair, both he and Charlie are drafted to serve in the Great War. During this tumultuous time, Tommo channels his feelings into a manuscript, creating a novel that encapsulates his struggles and emotions. The latter part of the narrative follows the brothers as they grapple with the brutalities of war. Under the stern watch of their Sergeant "Horrible" Hanley, the bond of protection that Charlie has over Tommo stands firm throughout their perilous journey.
As the German forces retreat, a critical moment of chaos erupts on the battlefield. In a frantic scene, Charlie makes the fateful choice to disobey Sergeant Hanley’s orders, choosing instead to stay by Tommo's side as he succumbs to his injuries in the menacing no-man's-land. This act of brotherly courage bears a heavy toll, as it leads to Charlie being accused of cowardice and sentenced to a court-martial.
In a grim illustration of military law, Charlie faces a firing squad at dawn, meeting his tragic end. The weight of this loss is profoundly felt, illustrating the harsh truths of warfare. As the plot comes to a close, Tommo prepares for the imminent Battle of the Somme, irrevocably altered by the sequence of events that transpired. Concurrently, the world acknowledges a long-needed rectification: in 2006, 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers, including those who suffered similar fates as Charlie, receive posthumous pardons for their alleged transgressions, such as cowardice, desertion, insubordination, and violations of duty.
