A novelist attends the trial of a woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter by abandoning her to the rising tide on a beach in northern France. But as the trial continues, her own family history, doubts, and fears about motherhood are steadily dislodged as the life story of the accused is gradually revealed.

At age eight, Victoria spends a night in the home of a wealthy white family; years later, she encounters them again and her life is changed forever.

In the near future artificial intelligence is in control of everyone's lives and human emotions are perceived as a threat.