Set in the small town of Cocota, in the State of Rio, Brazil, this novel tells the story of the relationship between Josemar Ferreira and Maria da Gloria Rossi. Through dialogues and monologues the broad outline of their story is gleaned. The reader learns that Josemar lives in the country a few miles outside of town, and is the middle of eleven children of a poor farming family. He is despised and picked on by his father and protected and adored by his mother. While the reasons for the father's rejection are never explained, Josemar's appearance might hold the key. He resembles neither of his parents nor any of his brothers and sisters.

He is handsome, white, and has curly, chestnut-colored hair. According to unconfirmed rumor, Josemar might be the son of the local landlord; the young man shares the landlord's good looks and a passion...