Life on the island of Pantelleria is becoming more difficult by the day. The ferries to the Sicilian mainland have problems running on time because of a strong wind that rises up with no warning, leaving havoc and ruin in its wake. Michele Giangrande is a rich landowner who lives in Palermo. He inadvertently causes the death of the Rizzos, a husband and wife team who manage Giangrande's land on the island. They have to consign a shipment of capers to the port by 6 a.m. and on the journey, their lorry skids on the slippery road and drops into the sea killing them both. They leave a young daughter called Maria Sole, whom Giangrande, on the suggestion of his wife, Flora. enrols at boarding school in Trapani.