The book opens up with Euclide Auclair, a French immigrant living in Canada, staring at the last ship leaving for France. Auclair understands that there will be no ships coming from France for the next six months. With this introduction, Cather paints a picture of desolation and survival. The French have been forced out of their homeland and have to devise a way of blending their cultures with the natives to survive. However, unlike other French immigrants, Auclair is not depressed by the loneliness that comes with living far from their native country. With the help of their religious leaders, the French immigrants are trying to build a peaceful relationship despite their cultural and religious differences.
Bishop Laval and Sister Marie have devoted themselves to building French schools and churches. The two missionaries have made peace with their new existence and are constantly trying to bring French immigrants and Native Canadians together. As time passes, French immigrants eventually realize that they will not be returning to their homeland which forces them to accept their new reality of a multicultural society. The French also understand that judging Canadian culture and religion will not further their relationship so they begin to change starting with Bishop Laval who gives all his possessions to charity.
The French governor of Canada also abandons his political roles and devotes his life to helping others meet their spiritual needs, both French and Native Canadians. The governor also attends mass every morning and believes that religion is more important than politics. With this notion, Cather explains that these characters live in a different world, their reality is not one on earth but rather the eternal life in heaven.
