A modern odyssey, a dizzying, science fiction-like journey into the heart of Africa. At the moment when the Sudan, the continent's biggest country, is being divided into two nations, an old civilizing pathology re-emerges: that of colonialism, clash of empires, and yet new episodes of bloody (and holy) wars over land and resources.

The marriage between Gabrielle and Jean begins to fray after the discovery of a letter that belongs to Gabrielle.