A penetrating and incisive book set in early twentieth century France that examines issues of class differences. The nouveau-riche Kampfs, desperate to become members of the social elite, decide to throw a ball to launch themselves into high society. Their 14-year old daughter, Antoinette, dreams of attending the ball, but Mrs. Kampf banishes her to the laundry room. In an unpremeditated fury of revolt and despair, Antoinette seeks swift revenge.

The book's cover design makes use of a photograph taken in-house — the graceful hand, lent by one of our cover cooks — tweaked to recreate an elegant period silver gelatin print. The convoluted, misplaced strokes of the calligraphic title encompass the insecure pretentiousness that burdens the arriviste teenager.