In 1960, fifteen-year-old Oliva Denaro lives in a small Sicilian village, where her mother constantly reminds her that “a woman is like a vase; whoever breaks it, keeps it.” Oliva enjoys studying, running, and spending time with her father, but fears the restrictions of womanhood. When forced to endure an abuse within a system of female oppression, Oliva rebels, asserting her right to choose and facing the consequences. Viola Ardone masterfully turns history into a personal story, exploring the complexities of love, desire, and the impact of rigid social roles, with Oliva and her silent, supportive father as central, unforgettable characters.