Raised by an unloving mother and sadistic father, Cindy is nonetheless a fairly happy child because she loves her younger sister Ani unreservedly. The two children spend many happy hours together until suddenly finding themselves thrust into a children's home, deserted by both parents. This is bad enough, but there is worse to come when Ani is adopted, leaving Cindy, barely 11 years old, utterly distraught. 

Back in 1957, there seemed to be little sympathy or understanding available and it's scarcely surprising that Cindy then struggles at school before running away to London as soon as she reaches 16. But even more trouble and worries are awaiting her over the next seven years.