The lives of Amanda de Leon, her daughter Sylvia, and granddaughter Vivian unfold during the turbulent years in Guam between the Spanish-American War and World War II. Amanda falls for an American sailor who leaves her with child. Sylvia, the illegitimate half-breed, grows up in shame but finds love with Constantino Camacho. Their daughter Vivian vows not to make her grandmother's mistake. Then Philip Averyenters her life. He isanavy lieutenant, handsomeand wealthy, like a storybook mansion, but as distant from Vivian's racial and cultural reality as the moon. Despite their differences, Philip falls for Vivian, but tragedy and the war intervene.