Misinterpreting every act of kindness she is offered by her employers, she eventually turns on them, stealing the guns that are normally kept locked away.

Eunice is charged with the crime, and is mortified when her illiteracy is revealed to the world during the court proceedings.

The novel was adapted twice for film: the British production was entitled The Housekeeper (1986) and starred Rita Tushingham as the illiterate maid.

The French film La Cérémonie (1995) was directed by Claude Chabrol and starred Sandrine Bonnaire as the maid, with Isabelle Huppert as the friend.

Bonnaire and Huppert shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 52nd Venice International Film Festival for their performances.