Jean Paget is just twenty years old and working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins. When she is captured she joins a group of other women and children whom the Japanese force to walk for miles through the jungle, leading to the deaths of many. Due to her courageous spirit, Jean takes on the role of leader of the sorry gaggle of prisoners. While on the march, the group runs into an Australian prisoner, Joe Harman, who helps them steal some food, and is horrifically punished as a result. Jean's adventures, and her bond with Joe, form the heart of this gripping and moving story.