Three World War II veterans return home to the fictional Midwestern town of Boone City, grappling with the challenges of reintegration. Al Stephenson, an aging banker, struggles to reconnect with his family and job, facing temptations of alcoholism. Fred Derry, an Air Force bombardier, finds it difficult to secure stable work and maintain a tumultuous relationship with his wife. Homer Parrish, a Navy sailor who lost both hands in the war and now uses mechanical hooks, wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and fears being a burden to his loved ones. Their lives intersect as they navigate post-war adjustment, seeking to find normalcy and purpose in a world that has moved on without them.

Their individual struggles test their resilience and relationships in profound ways. Al's attempt to readjust is challenged by his corporate environment's insensitivity to the sacrifices he and others made. Fred's sense of identity and self-worth is undermined by socioeconomic struggles and his strained marriage. Homer's journey is marked by emotional vulnerability as he yearns for acceptance and unconditional love from his fiancée and family. As they come to terms with their new lives, their paths highlight the enduring impact of war and the strength found in friendship and support from fellow veterans. The story poignantly captures the trials of reentering civilian life after the devastations of war, underlining themes of hope, resilience, and human connection.