At the beginning of the 20th century, Barcelona is in flames, suffering various types of social conflict on a daily basis. In this atmosphere of violence, Núria Solé, a working class girl employed in the textile industry, struggles to change her life and fulfil her dreams. While her sister Conxa is actively involved in the fight against injustices in the labour market, she manages to study at the Women's Institute and so get a job at the newly opened National Library. However, even in her new post is she able to elude gender and class prejudice. But Núria's world becomes a seriously dangerous one when she falls in love with Eudald Cebrià, a young, middle class student. They embark on a relationship which is unacceptable to the boy's mother, who uses all her power and influence to separate Núria from her son, even though her efforts have fatal consequences.