Molly and Sam embark upon a fraught exile in America, in search of a new and violence-free existence. But America is bleak, and the colour and magic of Molly’s childhood in Russia is eclipsed by the grim industrialisation of Peabody, the Massachusetts town in which they find
refuge.

Molly struggles to retain the magic of her ancestors while Sam labours at a clothing empire run by Stewart Pimms, a mean-spirited industrialist determined to stamp the colour and spirit out of the whole town. Bereft of community and family, despair engulfs Molly.

But she finds comfort in her magical book, and discovers that it still has much to teach. A gift of colourful yarn from a secret benefactor gives her hope and inspires her to do what she does best: create, love, and give to her community.

In so doing, Molly is astonished to discover friendships in the most unlikely of places. Through her influence, colour and connection assert themselves in the hopelessness of Peabody, and the community revolts against Pimms’ stranglehold on the town.

As darkness is overthrown and the town regenerates, Molly and Sam learn that, back in Russia, their parents are still alive – and Molly discovers that exile and despair are powerless in the face of love, and hope. Both of which are a form of magic.