Set in London between 1947-1966, the story follows the relationship between two boyhood friends, Alec and Pete. Pete, the elder by one year, is outgoing, strong and confident and always looks out for Alec who is the brighter of the two but quieter, weaker and somewhat shy. Alec discovers a horrifying truth about his family that leaves him devastated. The boys are inseparable but are involved in an incident that changes their relationship completely. Whilst following Alec and Pete from the ages of 8 and 9 we also learn of their families, friends and romances through to their twenties.