The novel begins in the early 1970s when 18-year-old Defne and 17-year-old Kostas meet in a tavern in Cyprus, starting a romantic relationship despite the ongoing conflict between Greeks and Turks in Cyprus, which escalated during those years.

Elif Shafak presents a poignant story of life reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, reaching a climax when Kostas is sent to London by his mother in 1974 without being able to say goodbye to Defne, and they don't see each other again until many years later.