Agnès and her friend Fabienne spend their time together making up fables. And though Agnès does not to be a writer, her collection of fables was published by a member of her town. Despite Agnès' name being on the cover of that book, she did not write any of the stories: Fabienne did (Agnès simply transcribed the stories).
As the girl's work is touted to the world beyond their village in France and Agnès grows more popular, the girl's lives change. Agnès consistently travels to England and Paris to tour the book, something which Fabienne doesn't mind at all.
Their first collection of fables was an account of what it is like to live in a small farming town. Their accounts are often morbid and violent and interesting. Above all, though, they are honest. And because of Fabienne's honesty in her writing, Agnès receives a publishing contract. Shortly thereafter, the two begin their second book about a demented postman. But Agnès wants their lives to change and implores Fabienne to move to Paris with her, where they will start a new life. Fabienne initially balks at Agnès' request.
In the meantime, Agnès receives a full ride scholarship to a prestigious school. The headmistress of Agnès' school doesn't initially take a liking to her and pries into her business (particularly her letters to Fabienne). Eventually, the headmistress asks Agnès to write her a book. Agnès agrees. But the headmistress' request causes Agnès to miss her old life and Fabienne much more. She wants to go home.
The book jumps forward in time and Fabienne has died as a result of childbirth. Agnès is now a famous writer who is married and lives in America, when she hears of Fabienne's death. Fabienne's death upsets her greatly, but she continues on with her life.
