1880. Everyday life in London's slums is hard enough for Jane Roberts
and her three children, but when her ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks
out on his family, times are particularly dark. In the wake of his
desertion, Jane longs to regain both her financial independence and her
identity by divorcing him, but the path to such freedom is long and
fraught with unforeseen obstacles. With help from a neighbour, a lucky
break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more
promising. But can Jane and her children finally be free of Bert's
clutches?