A peasant girl named Desiree falls into a forbidden and unequal love with a wealthy city boy, setting off a chain of events that challenges the rigid social hierarchy of her island home. Desiree, a young woman from the rural peasantry, saves the life of a wealthy boy named Antoine after a car accident, leading to an intense infatuation that defies the boundaries of their disparate social classes. As she attempts to navigate the complexities of his world, she faces opposition from his family and the deep-seated prejudices of the urban elite. The narrative explores the physical and social constraints of a post-colonial island setting, utilizing a lyrical and fable-like prose style to examine the consequences of crossing class lines. The story functions as a reimagining of a classic fairy tale, grounding its magical elements in the harsh realities of human social structures.

Readers frequently highlight the book's ability to transform a familiar fairy tale into a poignant commentary on social inequality and the nature of love. Discussion often centers on the author's use of language, which many describe as poetic and evocative, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the island setting. Critics often note the balance between the romantic elements and the darker, more tragic undertones of the narrative. The pacing is generally viewed as deliberate, allowing for deep character development that emphasizes the protagonist's internal struggle against societal expectations. Many readers appreciate how the story avoids simple resolutions, opting instead for a complex exploration of sacrifice and identity.