Magnus Anderson, a world-weary Sydney obstetrician separated from his wife, is smitten by Sally, a beautiful but straitlaced Australian midwife. On her way to a woefully under-staffed mission hospital in Africa she convinces Magnus to join her as a short-term volunteer, despite his doubts. Life in the confines of a hospital compound is a stark contrast to sophisticated Sydney. He faces the challenges of mission work in a Muslim land, opinionated colleagues, and an outspoken Islamist trainee specialist. And he continues to be drawn to Sally, fascinating but less responsive than he would like. Just as Magnus settles into mission life, a tragedy in Sydney brings him home. Will this give him the clarity he needs to resolve the issues that plague him?