Almeyda, born on a Brazilian slave plantation, is seven when Father Tollinaire teaches her to read – though only the books that he allows, and only in the pronunciation he dictates. Like her mother, she becomes a house servant, spared the labour of the fields. But when the master offers the young virgin to his friends, her mother rebels – resulting in mother and daughter being separated and sold on. From plantation to plantation, Almeyda hears whispers, rumours of Palmares, a community of escaped slaves. It is said to have its own spy network, making raids on plantations, setting the slaves free. But can this promised land be real?