Even as a child, Delphine found her mother Lucile more beautiful, talented, and unconventional than other mothers – but also always cool and distant. But why did Lucile choose to take her own life? This question has haunted Delphine de Vigan since the day she found her mother dead. She collects images, photo albums, letters, tape recordings, and above all, memories of the time spent together as a family. A portrait emerges of a contradictory and mysterious woman who spent her entire life searching – for love, happiness, and ultimately for herself.

At the same time, de Vigan paints a vivid picture of a French extended family in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by grand evening gatherings, long carefree summer vacations, but also the fears of individual family members. Thus, the author learns to understand her mother, memory by memory, and ultimately herself.