Nuneaton, 1869. When young Saffie's parents fell in love, her mother was cast out by her well-to-do family. Choosing love over money, they eloped choosing to raise their daughter on the canals. For as long as she can remember, Saffie has loved learning and it is her dream to become a teacher, but what use is an education to a canal girl? Will Saffie step out of the shadow of the past into the light of her dreams?