To the Cry of Owls is the heartfelt story of the children of the Withers family living in a small town in New Zealand in the mid-20th century. Thirteen-year-old Francie dreams of becoming an opera singer, but is forced to quit school and get a job. Toby's life is darkened by attacks of epilepsy, frightening his sisters and those around him. The youngest, Teresa, is trying to get rid of her childhood nickname, Chick. And the incredible imagination of Daphne, who dreams of becoming a writer and sincerely believes in magic, dooms her to psychiatric treatment. Their growing up is a series of emotional traumas, losses, isolation, but also examples of fortitude and emerging hope that even in the darkest moments in life, light can be found.