The book was chosen for inclusion in the 2007 edition of Canada Reads, where it was championed by musician John K. Samson.

The two move frequently, to various places around Montreal, where they encounter many other characters, among them junkies, bums, pimps, and abused children.

She is eventually taken away by Child Protective Services and put into a foster home while Jules is in the hospital with tuberculosis.

There she makes friends with two boys, Linus Lucas, a 14-year-old who all the children think is the very height of cool, and Zachary, a mellow, happy 12-year-old.

Baby eventually runs away and finds a semblance of security with a pimp named Alphonse.

Upon arrival at Jules' cousin's house in Val des Loups, the story ends.