In Skiathos at the beginning of the 20th century, old Hadoula, known as Frangokianou, experiences the daily drama that fate has in store for a woman of her time: the duty to serve those around her—parents, husband, children, and grandchildren; and the obligation to be "settled" and to "settle" all her female children in turn.

When her eldest daughter, Delcharo, gives birth to a sick second daughter, Frangokianou, who keeps vigil by the cradle, reflects on the hardships she has endured simply for being born a woman. Her mind begins to "rise," tackling "higher issues"; and it won't be long before she reaches the realm of crime...