A black umbrella from the small town of Aurillac in the Auvergne region of south-central France was made in December of 1884. He preferred to think that he was "born", for his Master, Monsieur Jean-Yves Paillargue, had made him with such loving care. He has a story to tell, of how he was made, and his relationships with the humans he encounters in a long and difficult life. He is a country bumpkin, knowing little of the complexities of life. Carried to Paris by his first owner, a banker, he is entranced by that wonderful city. Even more than Paris, he loves the rain. He has various owners, some often being abusive to him, others caring. Then, love and lost love face him, as well as a near-death. Regardless of the suffering, he struggles for happiness. What will he find?