This author is known for his involvement in leftist political movements, which shaped his subsequent literary work. During his imprisonment, he discovered his passion for writing, leading to his debut novel which earned him a prestigious award. His writings often explore themes related to political struggle, social injustice, and personal reflection within historical contexts. He uses his writing to examine deep human experiences and the societal forces that impact individual lives.
In the 1970s, Salvador Castañeda, a political prisoner during Mexico's Dirty War, recounts his harrowing experiences of torture and camaraderie in Lecumberri prison. He intertwines his narrative with memories of studying in Moscow, military training in North Korea, and clandestine meetings in the surrounding forests.