The arrival of a poised, moralistic family friend threatens the hedonistic summer lifestyle of a seventeen-year-old girl and her libertine father. Cécile, the protagonist, navigates a summer of leisure in a French villa, prioritizing her own autonomy and sexual exploration over traditional social expectations. She finds herself in direct opposition to Anne, a woman whose presence introduces structure and discipline into the chaotic, indulgent world Cécile shares with her father. The narrative is delivered through a first-person perspective, capturing the internal justifications and calculated maneuvers of a young woman attempting to maintain her status quo against encroaching adult influence.

Discussion often centers on the stark, detached voice of the protagonist and how it reflects the social climate of post-war France. Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to portray adolescent narcissism without resorting to moralizing or heavy-handed judgment. Critics often note the efficiency of the prose, which manages to convey significant emotional weight through brevity and sharp observation. The book remains a subject of debate regarding the protagonist's culpability in the final tragedy, with many readers analyzing the thin line between innocence and malice in her actions. The work is widely recognized for its enduring influence on the depiction of youth and disillusionment in modern literature.