Bruno Gunther is a feisty, 14 year old immigrant, growing up in a small farming community in South Australia during the 1930's. While his stern German father preaches hard work, Bruno is constantly tempted by the chance to do mischief. Whether it is startling a prim teacher as he flees from a runaway bull clad only in his underwear or organizing a "race" between two feuding neighbors, Bruno's world is an idyllic one. His high spirits will sustain his as his close-knit family experiences some dark times-and the memories of this gentle world will remain with him forever.