Set during the tumultuous period of World War I, the story follows Vera Brittain, a bright and determined young woman who dreams of becoming a writer. Against societal expectations, she earns a place at Oxford University, despite her father's reservations. However, her academic pursuits are interrupted when her brother Edward, her fiancé Roland, and their friends enthusiastically enlist to serve in the war. Moved by a sense of duty and longing to be closer to those she loves, Vera herself decides to leave her studies and volunteer as a nurse, tending to the wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict.

As the war rages on, Vera faces unimaginable heartbreak and hardship, witnessing the harrowing consequences of battle firsthand. Her experiences at the frontline hospitals profoundly shape her views on life, loss, and love. She navigates the constant fear for her loved ones' safety while coping with the moral and emotional challenges of war. Through her letters and diaries, Vera captures the poignant moments of tragedy and resilience, transforming her trauma into a testament of personal and collective endurance.