Andrea's arrival in Barcelona is overshadowed by reality as her hopes for a new life clash with the nightmare she finds in her grandmother's house, where she encounters a dysfunctional family instead of the warmth and security she expected.

Andrea searches for her identity while embedded in the oppressive atmosphere of the house, finding escape through her studies and connections with fellow students, marking her transformation from a naive girl to a self-confident young woman.

The novel explores post-war Spain caught between past trauma and desire for new beginnings, with the house's dark atmosphere and family conflicts reflecting the torn nature of Spanish society.