Set in 1963, four years before the legalization of oral contraception in France and twelve years before the Veil Act, the autobiographical narrative describes the troubles a young student faces when seeking out an illegal abortion.

Entries from her journal frame the events from the first three months of her pregnancy to the abortion and recovery.

Claire Devarrieux of Libération wrote that Ernaux's story "transcends individuality".

[3] Emily Eakin of The New York Times Book Review wrote, "As subject matter goes, little could be more inherently provocative.

"[4] Joy Press of The Village Voice wrote, "Ernaux connects her experience to the wider world of class and religion and law, resulting in a startling, unusual portrait of how a vagina really lives in the world.