The novel is divided into three parts and each tells the story of one of the main characters, namely Helene Brass, her granddaughters Filio and Uria.

Namely, women and men are separated, the former live in the Upper Town, the latter in the Lower, and all are in charge of their tasks.

Daughters can stay with their mothers and suffer the same fate as all women, and boys from the age of eight onwards are taken and taken to the Lower Town, where they are prepared for their life's tasks and work.

As a person who is not from here, Helena finds it difficult to get used to a new life, to rules that deprive her of her freedom and take away her dignity.

However, he tries to change things for the better as he prepares women to clean their houses together, open a laundry and even a school.

Filio lives life on the mainland, becomes a painter, organizes exhibitions, and meets Uri there.