This is a coming-of-age novel, set in Dublin, and tells the story of Mary Makebelieve. Mary Makebelieve lives with her mother, who is a charwoman, in a one-room tenement flat. While her mother goes out to work every day, Mary wanders the city, observing. This city comes alive in Mary's eyes painting a picture of both domestic and urban life. As she turns 16, she becomes aware of her body changing into a woman's and she is also becoming aware of men. She admires and fears a police officer who takes an interest in her.