Paloma Sánchez-Garnica’s first novel to be translated into English is a beautiful, harrowing, and illuminating story of family betrayals and a last chance for forgiveness.

Carlota Molina has a brilliant career as a judge in Madrid, the respect of her peers, and an independent life. But it’s a life still haunted by the specter of a father she’s been estranged from for decades. Then one day Carlota gets a phone call from a familial stranger—her half sister, Julia—with an impassioned request. After years of pain and distance, Carlota’s father, Clemente, wants to see her before he dies…and to settle the past.

Seizing on the opportunity to confront all her disillusions, Carlota begins to unravel the lies and deception in her family history. Some secrets she knows, and some secrets she has yet to discover. It is up to Carlota to decide how much of a mark she will let those secrets leave.

Translated by: Achy Obejas