Perrine Paindavoine, a resilient 13-year-old of French and Anglo-Indian descent, faces profound loss after her father, Edmond, dies in Bosnia. Forced to flee with her mother, Marie, and their traveling photo studio—accompanied by loyal dog Baron and donkey Palikare—she journeys to Maraucourt, France, seeking refuge with Edmond’s estranged father, Vulfran Paindavoine. When Marie succumbs to illness in Paris, Perrine braves starvation and hardship alone, trekking 150 kilometers on foot to reach Maraucourt. Concealing her identity as “Aurelie” to evade Vulfran’s resentment toward her parents’ union, she secures work at his cotton mill, progressing from rail-cart laborer to interpreter and finally his trusted secretary, aided by her bilingual fluency.

Her quiet competence and empathy slowly thaw Vulfran’s stern demeanor, though she hides her awareness of his futile search for Edmond, unaware of his death. Resourceful amid adversity, she mends worn boots with scrap metal and recovers from theft by meticulously budgeting. Her kindness to factory workers and neighbors cultivates allies who later shield her during crises. A turning point arrives when Vulfran learns of Edmond’s fate; devastated, he nearly surrenders to grief until her steadfast care revives him. Her identity surfaces when family confidante Grandmother Françoise recognizes her resemblance to Edmond, prompting Vulfran’s investigation.

Confirmed as his granddaughter, Perrine inspires Vulfran to undergo eye surgery—symbolizing their emotional healing—and catalyzes his reforms to improve workers’ lives. Her journey, marked by perseverance and adaptability, culminates in familial reconciliation and quiet integration into Vulfran’s world. The 1990 film adaptation faithfully mirrors her arc, emphasizing her evolution from vulnerability to self-reliance and the mending of fractured bonds.