In a remote hamlet in Provence, a small community lives in harmony with nature. Their peace is shattered when the oldest resident, Janet, suddenly falls silent and becomes paralyzed. A series of misfortunes—the well dries up, a fire threatens—plagues the inhabitants, who suspect Janet's suffering is a curse unleashed by the hill itself. Jean Giono's powerful debut novel masterfully explores themes of superstition, humanity's primal connection to the earth, and the terrifying, untamable power of the natural world.