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, a widow, fifteen years older than Jamil is. She is somehow uncomfortable with the feelings she has for Jamil and decides to leave the flat located on top of the bookstore. Leila, blessed with a wonderful voice is not a woman to make do with her husband's modest earnings. She has ambition and her mind is set on a better future. She leaves her husband for a brilliant career as a singer. Tarek sinks into depression and Aicha is forced to come back and live with her son. Jamil and Aicha are reunited. Their relationship takes on a new turn…