Set in post-World War I England, the story follows Tom Birkin, a war-weary veteran suffering from the traumas of conflict, as he travels to the small village of Oxgodby. He has been commissioned to restore a medieval mural discovered in a local church. Seeking solace and a fresh start, Birkin immerses himself in the meticulous work, finding a slow but steady sense of peace in the tranquility of the countryside and the warmth of the simple village life. In parallel, another veteran, James Moon, is camping nearby and excavating for a grave outside the church, driven by his own mysterious mission.

As Birkin works on the mural, he meets several villagers who impact his stay, including the vicar’s young wife, Alice Keach, who becomes a significant presence in his life. The quiet rhythms of village life intermingle with Birkin's gradual healing process. Through his restoration work and interactions with the villagers, Birkin begins to confront his painful past and find hope for the future. The narrative carefully interweaves themes of memory, recovery, and human connection against the tranquil yet poignant backdrop of rural England, highlighting how small acts of kindness and moments of beauty can provide profound healing for scarred souls.