Mireille, daughter of a French Diplomat, Ousmane, son of a poor Muslim family in Senegal: Two childhood sweethearts forced to share their love in secret. Their marriage shocks and dismays both sets of parents, but it soon becomes clear that their youthful optimism and love is a poor defense against the pressures of society. As Ousmane is lured back to his roots, Mireille is left humiliated, isolated and alone.

The tyranny of tradition and chauvinism is exposed in this novel from Senegal as two childhood sweethearts are forced to share their love in secret.