Biographical drama about the life of French author Violette Leduc, portrayed by Emmanuelle Devos. In the latter years of the Second World War Violette is encouraged to write by Maurice Sachs (Olivier Py), with whom she is living, despite their loveless relationship. She meets fellow author Simone de Beauvoir (Sandrine Kiberlain) and the two women form a close bond, with Simone becoming Violette's mentor and introducing her to many key intellectual figures such as Jean Genet (Jacques Bonnaffé). The story follows Violette's life and the progression of her career until she finally finds mainstream success with the publication of her memoir 'La Bâtarde' in 1964.