In the early 20th century, Gabriel Rius, the Cuban grandson of a Spaniard who went to Cuba in the 19th century and became an Indiano (an expatriate entrepreneur who made his money in the Americas), travels to the small town in Spain from where his grandfather came, but finds no mention of him there. However, he learns from the archives that Narcis Agramunt did exist, but that his past held a terrible secret, hence the denial of his existence by the local community. On learning that Gabriel is his grandson, the people of Punta del Mar ostracise him, although he eventually wins them over. A stroke of good fortune enables Gabriel to undertake various projects to help people -both in Punta del Mar and on his return to Cuba - in recompense for the wrongs done by his grandfather. This is a story of atonement, for are we not all guilty in some way for our decisions and actions in life?