It is the mid-1800s. At Sweet Home in Kentuckhy, an era is ending as slavery comes under attack from the abolitionists. The worlds of Halleand Paul D. are to be destroyed in a cataclysm of torment and agony. The world of Sethe, however, is to turn from one of love to one of violence and death - the death of Sethes baby daughter Beloved, whosename is the single word on the tombstone, who died at her mothers hands, and who will return to claim retribution.