Elle Marja, 14, is a reindeer-breeding Sami girl. Exposed to the racism of the 1930s and phrenological examinations at her boarding school, she starts dreaming of another life. To achieve this other life she has to become someone else and break all ties with her family and culture.
When Mats' grandfather dies the family opens a wooden box containing evidence of the family's Sami heritage. Why has this been kept secret? Why did they stop being Sami? And why do they know so little about their history?
Elle, 78, doesn't like Sámi people—even though she is Sámi. Pressured by her son, she returns north for her sister's funeral. When she realizes he's planned for them to stay with their relatives, Elle checks into a hotel.
