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Lucinda's journey unfolds as she navigates the complexities of her troubled past, marked by a dysfunctional upbringing and a forced relationship with an older man. After the death of her partner, she faces isolation from her family but finds solace in friendship and a new marriage to Francis StClair, which ultimately crumbles under her expectations. A mysterious letter leads her to France, where she uncovers shocking truths about her family's history and the dark secrets that her mother and brothers desperately wanted to keep hidden.

The story unfolds in February 1985, when three brothers and their wives visit Rio de Janeiro for carnival festivities. Their holiday takes a dark turn when one woman, Jean, vanishes in a crowded marketplace, prompting a frantic but fruitless search. Seven years later, her husband, Norman, faces the heart-wrenching task of declaring her "missing presumed dead." The narrative explores themes of loss, mystery, and the haunting questions surrounding Jean's disappearance—whether she is alive, held captive, or has met a tragic fate.

The intense and strained relationship between a mother and daughter unfolds through a series of harsh letters filled with resentment and rejection. The mother's blunt declaration of her feelings reveals deep-seated emotional wounds and a desire to sever ties completely. This poignant exploration of familial conflict delves into themes of love, disappointment, and the longing for acceptance, capturing the complexities of their bond and the pain of unfulfilled expectations.