Gerti Baldwin's story is one of childhood poverty in a decrepit Viennese slum during the war years, to a life interspersed with family entanglements, separation, happier times with foster parents and her determination to succeed.

Torn between her father and mother, in all her heartache and disappointment she learns the truth about them and the hardships her mother and her siblings had to endure. Despite a serious heart defect, she finds ways to cope, turning her attention to sport especially judo, joining a club and entering championships. In between Gerti is stalked and threatened with murder, but eventually finds peace and tranquillity making her home in Wales where she works as a social worker until retirement.