Camellia Norton is orphaned at fifteen when her mother's body is fished from a river in rural Sussex. And when she discovers a cache of letters amongst her mother's effects she realises that the past she has always been so sure of has been built on a tissue of lies. Devastated; she runs away to London; and loses herself in a metropolis that offers opportunity; temptation and danger; especially to a young girl hungry for love and acceptance. But her past won't stay buried forever; and eventually Camellia begins the long journey towards uncovering the truth about her background; and also; ultimately; about herself.