In this translation of her dramatic work, this author tells a story of forbidden loves. The novel spans the twentieth century, the Southwest from Mexico to Los Angeles, skin colors, the sexes, religious boundaries, life and death, and four generations of a family named Betancourt. Among its members: Don Flavio, who believes that chance may win one a fortune, but only ruthlessness can hold onto it ... his secretive sister, Brigida... and his beautiful, golden-haired daughter Isadora, who refuses to submit to her father's dictates, however terrible the cost to her - and everyone around her. Behind them all stands the silent figure of the runner Jeronimo Santiago, one of the native Tarahumaras who work on Don Flavio's hacienda. Though they may wish to deny it, the Betancourts are pursued by Jeronimo -even in death- to the deepest, most hidden recesses of family memory. The six stories deftly portray women struggling with their artistic expression in a culture that limits them. From Andrea, the actress, Amanda the seamstress, Filomena who constructs magnificent altars for the Dia de los muertos celebrations, the ethereal and meditative Leonor, Esmerelda the stunning young beauty, and Zulema the storyteller, Nenita absorbs the artistic inspirations of those around her. The gentle narrative sings with the strength of an exceptional community of women and the influence they have on the next generation.