The novel is a detailed narrative that follows the lives of several characters, primarily Carlos and Pedro, through different eras, from their childhood in Portugal to their lives and experiences in Africa, particularly in the Belgian Congo. The manuscript addresses themes such as emigration, the working conditions of the colonized, cultural tensions, and race relations. The first part describes Carlos, a 14-year-old migrant working as a docker in Lisbon, in a period preceding the fall of the monarchy. The country was then facing popular discontent and working-class struggles. He is introduced to Pedro, an older young man who befriends him. The latter, the grandson of a miner, was forced to leave his native Alentejo for Lisbon, far from the country of his birth, at the request of his grandfather, following an unhealthy love affair. The story then evokes their early life, their hard work, and the living conditions of the dockers. Throughout the story, Carlos and Pedro emigrate to Africa, where they discover a complex colonial world. They encounter characters such as Chief Woyo and his fetishes, missionaries and their moving accounts of the early days of colonization, and colonial officials with different temperaments and behaviors. Their journeys illustrate the social and economic dynamics of colonization, as well as racial prejudice. The story also explores romantic relationships and marriages, often arranged or under the pressure of social conventions. For example, Pedro must juggle his feelings with the prejudices of the society around him. The narrative is punctuated by reflections on culture, tradition, and social change, which highlight the challenges and realities experienced by Africans in the face of colonizers. In short, this novel offers a nuanced glimpse into the intersecting lives of Europe and Africa, the struggles for identity, friendships, and racial tensions, all within a rich and complex historical context. Published: May 2, 2025 Order Press Release