"A novel full of grace, humour and loss." --Elizabeth Reeder " A mastery of spare -- yet sweeping -- storytelling." --Anne Pettigrew "Fabulous writing, intriguing story." --Emma Fraser A sensational debut set in in the turbulent landscape of Argentina in the mid-twentieth century. For years, the best that young girls from the backwater village of Alta Gracia could hope for was a position in the Big House, home of the immensely powerful and politically influential Goyena family. So, when Senorita Delia Lugghi - enigmatic teacher and devout Peronist - arrives from Buenos Aires to found a state school in the village, the future of Milagros Riquelme suddenly seems to be full of possibilities. But change rarely does come easily. Inspired by true events, this story charts a life of tragedy, love, and missed opportunity, as Milagros goes from girlhood to old age, all the while being forced to navigate an oppressive regime during Argentina's Dirty War.