The protagonist, May Desmond, is described by Guerrero as an entrepreneurial and empowered figure, forced to make crucial decisions from an early age. Orphaned, her life takes her from Aguilar de la Frontera, her mother's hometown and a tribute from the author, to Madrid, then embarking on the tragic voyage of the Titanic, and finally arriving in Cuba.
The experience on the Titanic marks a turning point in May Desmond's life, prompting her to change her identity. The author was inspired by the presence of ten Spaniards aboard the liner to recreate this part of the story, allowing the reader to experience the tragedy from the protagonist's perspective.
She adopts the identity of someone who died on the Titanic and is aware that it is not right, even if she does no harm to anyone.
The novel also delves into early 20th-century Cuba, exploring its independence and American influence, as well as the reality of Galician immigrants, demystifying the idealized image of the 'indianos'. Guerrero details how American capital largely monopolized the Cuban economy after the war, leading to corruption.
Finally, the plot moves to the United States, where May Desmond is forced to reinvent herself amidst Prohibition. The author explains how this law, driven by Methodist women, drastically affected wine producers in Napa Valley, California. The protagonist finds a way to circumvent the ban, taking advantage of exceptions for wine production for religious purposes.
