In 1937, Marigold McGrath and her friend Trude discover punch cards bound for Nazi Germany. Marigold's father, Arnold, is a sympathizer of the Third Reich and has been entrusted with getting the cards sent overseas. Although Marigold is unprejudiced, Arnold's intolerance and affinity for authoritarianism are enough to drive a wedge between him and his daughter. The untimely death of Marigold's mother and Trude's relocation to England leave Marigold rudderless at home in New York. An ill-advised affair with a teacher at her school leads to disciplinary action and drives Marigold to set out for greener pastures with a trip to England.

Upon Marigold's arrival in England, she is welcomed by friends of her late mother. An introduction to Marek and Zoisa leads to Marigold working at a relief agency that aids refugees who have been displaced as a result of the growing Anti-Semitism in Germany and other European countries. In addition, Marigold also receives encouragement and tutelage from Marek in photography, a hobby that has evolved into something more. As happy as her new opportunities in England are, they pale in comparison to the gaiety Marigold experiences when she is reunited with Trude. This feeling is soon magnified when, through Trude, she is introduced to an attractive Dutchman named Joop.

Marigold thought she had experienced love before, only to have her euphoria snuffed out by a caddish man. In Joop's company, Marigold swoons yet also sacrifices her job at the relief agency for more time with Joop. However, all is not lost as a mutual friend offers Marigold an opportunity to work for journalist Edward R. Murrow, who is covering the looming humanitarian crisis as Europe approaches another destructive war. While some believe compromise will halt further tensions, Trude views another global conflagration with resignation. Marigold and Joop's relationship is cut short as Joop heads back to the Netherlands, destined to fight against the aggressive actions being undertaken by the soldiers of the Third Reich. Soon, Europe is in the grip of a war that will impact the lives of Marigold, Trude, Joop, and others.

Marigold McGrath's story is one of life, love, and war, a narrative that is both stirring and heartrending. This coming-of-age drama about a young woman's flight from a disagreeable and cold home environment to a country on the precipice of war possesses moments of both pure joy and gut-wrenching poignancy. Marigold is a young woman who was already at a marked distance from her stern father when she decided to embark on a trans-Atlantic voyage. When she arrives in England, Marigold is naive but gradually comes to understand the stark reality of the world through the people she meets, loves, and those she loses.

The narrative spans a transformative period in Europe and the world and is seen through the eyes of Marigold as well as her beau, Joop. Ultimately, Marigold's tale is suffused with friendship, passion, and an indomitable strength of will that drives Marigold, Joop, and others to attempt to survive the war.

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