In a film based on Marie-Sabine Roger's book, Margueritte (Gisèle Casadesus) is a 95-year-old woman whose greatest joy in life is a good book. So the residents of her rural French village are stunned when she strikes up a conversation with the sweet German oaf Germain (Gérard Depardieu), who is virtually illiterate. But, as their odd friendship blossoms, Margueritte shares her passion with Germain, teaching him as she reads aloud. And when her eyes begin to fail, Germain returns the favor.