In exchange for the slavish obedience of her two daughters, the mother promises to support them against the tyrannical father. Rather than Montreal or the suburbs, the family settle in a hotel at the cross-roads of a practically deserted village. An impenetrable forest surrounds the hotel where the usual customers resemble characters from Hugo and Gorki. In hopes of escape, the younger daughter marries while the elder, against her parents' wishes, immerses herself in studies and questions whose answers may prove disturbing.

Prix Athanase-David winner for the body of her work, Montrealer France Théoret has authored ten books, including the original French version of The Stalinist's Wife. Ottawa resident Luise von Flotow has translated a number of books for Guernica, including Girls Closed In, and The Stalinist's Wife.