Michel Deutsch

Fabrice is an otherwise brutish truck driver who loves the disciplines involved in bicycle racing. He's no champion and doesn't appear to care much whether he wins any or not. In the crowded spaces of his world, the aloneness that comes with being a racer in training affords him a much-needed solitude and peace of mind. It's probably best for the people around him, too. In fact, it would be good if he could remain on his bike forever, because his nearly insane fear and distrust of others leads him to some pretty obnoxious behavior, especially with the women in his life.

The history of four generations of a family in Alsace between 1870 and 1953. Over this time, the family and the villagers live through three wars between France and Germany and their province changes its affiliation between these countries four times. The governors from both sides do not always respect the culture and the feelings of Alsatians.