John and Priscilla meet in England as preparations for the Mayflower’s departure are in progress, Priscilla as a passenger and John as a crew member. They gradually discover their mutual attraction as they cope with a voyage fraught with sickness, strife and the ferocious storms. Life in early Plymouth is grim as the settlers suffer famine, disease, and death. John can only watch as Priscilla cares unceasingly for the members of her family, as one after another she loses her father, mother and younger brother. He longs to assist and comfort her but is prevented by Pilgrim morality and rigid social norms.  

Over time, conditions in the new colony gradually improve, with help from friendly Native Americans and occasional supply ships. Despite resistance from the Pilgrim leadership, John and Priscilla finally marry and raise a family. The sweeping, heroic narrative follows them throughout the remainder of their long and eventful lives, raising a family while navigating the political infighting and squabbling of the early Pilgrim society.