The memoir recounts the tumultuous and often painful childhood of a girl who was shuttled between various relatives, foster homes, and boarding schools. Her parents, largely absent and neglectful, left her to navigate a world filled with instability and emotional neglect. Despite these hardships, she finds solace in books and the kindness of strangers, ultimately emerging with a resilient spirit and a profound understanding of human nature. The narrative is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the enduring quest for belonging.

The novel follows the life of Baby, a twelve-year-old girl navigating the complexities of growing up in the seedy underbelly of Montreal. With her mother deceased and her father, Jules, struggling with heroin addiction, Baby is thrust into a world of instability and neglect. As she grapples with her longing for love and security, she becomes entangled in a series of troubling relationships and dangerous situations. Through her eyes, the story explores themes of innocence, resilience, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society.