The painful challenges experienced in the life of a farmer from Zadar, Croatia, in the years from World War I to World War II.
At the end of World War I, Grisogono, is a poor farm boy living in Zadar, Croatia (Yogoslavia). His life changes dramatically when he is forced to commit murder in self defense. In fear of capture he escapes to the capital city, Zagreb, which was annexed to Italy at that time.
Grisogono's years in Zagreb are emotionally devastating for him. The girlfriend he has come to love dies, leaving him heartbroken as well as terribly homesick for his village of Zadar. Eventually, he finds some peace, marrying a former nun. But, the poor medical practices of an Italian doctor allow her to die in childbirth. Now emotionally destroyed beyond reason, Grisogono strikes out in hatred.
