Paul Rivers, an ailing mathematician lovelessly married to an English émigré; Christina Peck, an upper-middle-class suburban housewife and mother of two girls; and Jack Jordan, a born-again ex-con, are brought together by a terrible accident that changes their lives.
On a cotton plantation in Puerto Rico, the slaves are growing restless and rebellious, and attempts to crush the resistance by brute force have only made things worse. The owner, Mr. Jones, fears not only losing his plantation but also his life.
Walter and Benita have separated due to growing tension within their marriage. After Walter isn't heard from for an extended period of time, Benita discovers a terrifying occurrence.
