Brilliant young editor Delphine and her aspiring author boyfriend Frederic visit a peculiar library in Crozon, France – one that houses the failed manuscripts of authors destined never to be published.
With an eye for these things, Delphine spots a hidden masterpiece penned by none other than the town's now deceased pizza chef, Henri Pick, a taciturn fellow never seen to read a book.
The plot, as they say, thickens. A media frenzy ensues and the book, entitled The Last Hours of a Love Affair, is published and becomes a sought-after bestseller.
Henri's widow is dismayed by how her silent, hardworking husband could have found the time to write a book. His daughter, Josephine, revels in the limelight.
Literary critic Rouche smells a rat and launches an investigation into the identity of the writer. Original librarian Gourvec seems to have a curious past and his protege Magali's life is turned upside down.
