The novel is a detailed narrative that follows the lives of several characters, primarily Carlos and Pedro, across 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 colonized peoples, cultural tensions, and interracial relationships. The first part describes Carlos, a 14-year-old migrant working as a dockworker in Lisbon, in the period preceding the fall of the monarchy. The country is then facing popular discontent and the struggles of the working class. He is introduced to Pedro, an older young man who befriends him. Pedro, the grandson of a miner, was forced to leave his native Alentejo for Lisbon, far from the country of his birth, at his grandfather's behest, following an unhealthy love affair. The narrative then recounts their early days, their arduous work, and the living conditions of the dockworkers. As the story unfolds, Carlos and Pedro migrate to Africa, where they discover a complex colonial world. There, they encounter figures such as Chief Woyo and his fetishes, missionaries and their harrowing accounts of the early days of colonization, as well as colonial administrators with varying temperaments and behaviors. Their journeys illustrate the social and economic dynamics of colonization, as well as racial prejudices. The narrative also explores romantic relationships and marriages, often arranged or forced by social conventions. For example, Pedro must navigate his feelings alongside the prejudices of the society around him. The narrative is punctuated by reflections on culture, tradition, and social change, which illuminate the challenges and realities faced by Africans in the face of colonizers. In short, this novel offers a nuanced glimpse into the intertwined lives of people from Europe and Africa, exploring identity struggles, friendships, and racial tensions, all within a rich and complex historical context. Publication date: May 2, 2025 Order Press release