Civilisation is collapsing. Frustrated and angry after years of denial and inaction, a government of youth has taken power in North America, and a policy of institutionalised ageism introduced. All those older than the prescribed age are deemed responsible for the current state of the world, and are to be 'relocated', their property and assets confiscated. David Ashworth and his wife May find themselves among the thousands being moved to the southern deserts. Together, they must come to terms with their new lives in a land rendered unrecognisable. As the terrible truth of their situation is revealed, they plan a perilous escape, lured by rumours of a tropical sanctuary where they can live in peace. But the world outside is more dangerous than they could ever have imagined. And for those who survive, nothing will ever be the same again . . .