Book is in French Rivière-au-Renard, 1930. Salomon O'Brien's two daughters are jealous of their half-sister Mélina for her grace and beauty. They report her slightest missteps to their father who, taking advantage of a request from the priest, tears her away from her lover and sends her off as a governess to a bourgeoie family in Montreal. Deeply in love with her, Antonin abandons his job as a fisherman to join her in the metropolis. After a period of wandering, the young man buys a stable and founds his small business in the popular Hochelaga district. In this time of severe recession, the couple has to work hard: Mélina now works looking after the horses in boarding and takes care of the delivery men while Antonin is busy digging cellars and clearing snow from the streets. When they move into a larger home, their building becomes the scene of clashes between two families of tenants, which will inevitably harm their peace. Moreover, the seductive Corinne, a former charming saleswoman, does not leave Antonin indifferent. As dark days lie ahead for him, will the sweet Mélina be able to forgive him for his escapades and overcome the horrors of his destiny?