The story is told through the eye's of Rakka a new Haibane who is born as a teenage girl and adjusts to life as a Haibane who are angel like people who live separately from the village in run down buildings, wear second hand clothes, are not allowed to touch money and are unable to leave the village walls.
In the story Rakka discovers the mysteries of birth, the hurt of losing a loved one, the love of friends and family and the pain of despair and guilt.
The stand out character is Reki who hides her depression and feelings of guilt by looking after the other Haibane and trying to be a good Haibane.
Who the Hainbane are and what is beyond the wall's is not really explained. However, the anime is highly intelligent and not exactly action packed so is not to everybody's taste.
