Content Warning: Some characters in the novel display xenophobia and harmful prejudices toward itinerant communities, including language that is offensive toward Romani people. This novel also includes fatphobia and domestic violence.

The novel opens with Vianne Rocher’s point of view. She and her six-year-old daughter, Anouk, arrive in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, a small French village, on the day of a carnival. They smell fried food and share a galette. Anouk, enchanted by the magical atmosphere, asks if they can stay. Vianne notices several of the villagers, including sad and angry older people and livelier children. They stick out as strangers. She notes a priest in black garments with a cold and alien air. Vianne agrees that they will stay, wondering privately if they really will. Later, Vianne and Anouk look around the property that Vianne has leased, an old bakery with living space upstairs. It is in disrepair and is cold and dark. Anouk says that Pantoufle, her imaginary or magical rabbit companion, is frightened. They light candles, burn incense, and make noise in each room to ward off the gloomy atmosphere, imagining what it will look like once they have worked hard to renovate it. Vianne makes offerings to resident spirits and to bless their dreams.