A young girl and an older man navigate the criminal underworld of Paris while maintaining a complex, unconventional bond. Lola, a precocious and street-smart teenager, teams up with Serge, a middle-aged man, to survive and thrive amidst a series of dangerous encounters. Their objective involves outmaneuvering various criminals and authorities, relying on their wits and a shared, singular moral code. The narrative framework utilizes a lean, fast-paced style that emphasizes dialogue and immediate action over extensive exposition.

Readers frequently highlight the unique, almost cinematic quality of the prose which avoids unnecessary ornamentation. Discussion often centers on the ambiguous nature of the relationship between the two leads, which challenges traditional literary tropes. Critics note the effectiveness of the atmosphere, which captures a specific, gritty version of Paris during the late twentieth century. The pacing is consistently described as brisk, ensuring that the focus remains on the immediate survival tactics of the characters rather than long-winded introspection.