At the end of the 19th century, Lise grows up as the eldest daughter of a Danish landowner with a large brood. Lise’s mother is about to give birth, in a household where the Bible dictates life and superstition is stronger than trust in science. Nevertheless, Lise’s existence also carefully exhibits the spirit of a new age: Lise’s mother has fought for her to be the first girl to go to school. However, when her mother’s pregnancy proves life-threatening, Lise realises how fragile her plans for the future really are.