Ellen`s dangerous entanglement with two brothers in a village in Ireland who are fishermen and who are both drawn to her, has tragic consequences.
In an attempt to rid herself of the sense of loss and pain following the breakdown of a relationship and abortion, Ellen goes to stay with her grandfather in a village in Ireland, believing she will be able to make new work as an artist.
Ellen becomes involved with two brothers, Gabriel and Owen. Initially reluctant, she is drawn to Owen by his generosity of spirit and he rekindles in her the need to resume her work.
Through this time of recovery for Ellen she is also trying to work out why her mother left her home originally and went to England.
When Gabriel is taken ill, overcome by her own fears of hospital she advises Owen to care for his brother at home. Though reluctant at first, Owen arranges for his brother`s return. Once back, Gabriel wanders out to the shore, suffers an epileptic fit and dies. Overcome with remorse and with a sense that she has not worked to the level she had wanted, Ellen decides to return to London and prepares to leave. And then she discovers she is pregnant and the possibility, denied to her own mother, to stay in the village opens up for her.