The narrative begins with Clora's ghost at the start of slavery and her early life.
Clora's mother Fammy, who was constantly raped by the Master and bore him nine children, killed both herself and the Master after enduring so much pain. After Fammy's death, Clora was raised by another slave named Elliz. The young master took over the land and continued the reign of terror, raping Clora even before she turned twelve. Clora had four children with the young master - Always, Sun, Peach, and Plum.
Always, Clora's oldest daughter, was darker than her lighter-skinned siblings Sun and Peach who were able to pass for white and escape to a better life. Despite being told she was nothing, Always strived to make the best of her situation, learning to read and work the land prosperously. She survived the Civil War and lived to see emancipation, though racism replaces slavery and humankind continues to suffer from its divisions.
The novel weaves the family's bloodline, showing how from one woman can come descendants of all different colors and nationalities, demonstrating that we are truly one family despite divisions. Clora's spirit narrates the story of her descendants' survival and triumph over the adversity of slavery.