The new novel by France's currently most popular writer begins on a sad note. Francois buries his wife, the cause of her death is unclear. What is this - a tragic medical error or a fatal coincidence? And why were the parents of the deceased Maude absent from the farewell ceremony? And why, contrary to custom, was the coffin closed? And who, finally, is so persistently looking for a meeting with Francois, who now lives alone?