The year is 1939. It is World War II. England is at war. And a tumultuous affair is about to begin that will carry a tragic price tag. A passionate woman trapped inside a sterile marriage, Sarah Miles is immediately and irresistibly attracted to brooding novelist Maurice Bendrix when they meet at a party given by Sarah's worthy but unexciting civil servant husband, Henry. They begin a passionate, illicit and sexually liberating love affair. But during the Blitz in London, Bendrix' house is hit by a bomb while the couple are in bed, and he is nearly killed. Inexplicably and without warning, Sarah breaks off the relationship. As for Bendrix, he is left utterly bereft... For years following, he is haunted by passionate memories of their affair. When, by chance circumstance, he re-enters her life they confront once more the consuming love they had for each other. In a stunning surprise admission, he will learn the reason for the annihilation of her love.