Saxon works in a laundry to make a living, while Billy works as a teamster. The two fall in love and get married, cherishing moments of happiness despite their humble circumstances. However, the labor unrest and riots in Oakland cast a shadow over their lives. Billy becomes increasingly exhausted after participating in strikes, and Saxon suffers from severe stress, eventually leading to a miscarriage. Financial struggles and emotional turmoil drive a wedge between them. The violent unrest exposes the harsh realities of the working class and urban poverty. Overwhelmed by the deteriorating situation in the city, Saxon begins to dream of escaping to a life of self-sufficiency in nature. Billy agrees with her vision, seeing no future in their current way of life. With hope for a better future, they decide to leave the city behind in search of a new beginning.

BOOK I
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV