1971 Penang. Suyin's sister returns to the family home, a stricken figure, bearing an opportunity of a lifetime, for Suyin to take her place as a trainee nurse in London's East End. With excitement and trepidation, Suyin embarks on new adventure, but her sister's secrets are a constant reminder that she is living a borrowed life, in a strange, tough city. She finds solace in her job and through the gruelling but rewarding work of caring for the sick, Suyin stitches together a new identity.