After spending many years abroad in France, a young man, Jamil, returns to Tunisia, with a disquieted soul. He is offered the position of assistant librarian at the old bookstore owned by Tarek, a young man, belonging to the old Tunisian bourgeoisie. Tarek is married to Leila, a beautiful young woman of humble origins and education. Jamil is attracted to Tarek's mother, Aicha, ...