In this compelling story, a man who has endured much tragedy as a boy reaps the bitter fruit of deceit sown by his deceased father, threatening all he loves.

While growing up in British Guiana, Richard Cheong wrestles with guilt after his younger brother is murdered and his mother's death shortly thereafter.

As the lone surviving son, Richard believes that only a son can redeem his tormented soul and end his life of poverty and servitude to his father's sister.

After he marries the beautiful and headstrong Gloria, she bears him three girls.

But in 1953 as Richard awaits the birth of what he hopes will be his first son, the British governor orchestrates a troop invasion, suspends the Guianese Constitution, and disbands the leftist government.

As a chain of events unfurls that splinters Richard's life and alters the course of his country, political unrest rages across the colony.