In Sicily in the 1950, Ersilia Fortebracci, a dreamer and modern woman who aspires to a better life, decides to emigrate to Turin with Pasquale, her husband, and her two sons Tonio and Santi. When Pasquale commits suicide due to a large debt, Ersilia cannot cope emotionally and is interned in a mental hospital. Tonio will weave links with crime and Santi will pursue a career in the judiciary.