The moving novel from the multi-million-bestselling author of the house of the spirits and the Japanese lover. Irene beltr??n is a force to be reckoned with. As a magazine journalist ??? an unusual profession for a woman with her privileged upbringing ??? she is constantly challenging the oppressive regime. Her investigative partner is photographer Francisco leal, the son of impoverished Spanish Marxist ??migr??s. They are an inseparable team, and ??? despite Irene's engagement to an army captain ??? form a passionate connection. When an assignment leads them to uncover an unspeakable crime, they are determined to reveal the truth in a national overrun by terror and violence. Together they will risk everything for justice ??? and ultimately to embrace the passion that binds them.