Olalla, who suffered from polio as a child and was always supported by Hugo, finds her world shattered when she finally learns the truth about her brother’s terminal illness.
As Hugo nears death in a hospital in 1996, Olalla suddenly disappears, leaving her husband Josep and Hugo’s love, Helena , in a desperate search that forces everyone to confront years of unspoken truths. Key Themes
The novel explores how silence can be used to protect others but also how it denies them the chance to provide support.
The narrative follows the deep bond between two siblings, and Olalla :
The story serves as a journey through Spain's recent past, touching on political rebellion and the collective hysteria surrounding the AIDS epidemic.