Urania Cabral has returned to the Dominican Republic after a long absence of 35 years. She reflects on her decision to come back as she sits in her hotel room at Hotel Jaragua, recalling her earlier years in the country. She knows that her father's health has declined, although she never responded to her family's letters. She decides to visit her old neighborhood, Gazcue, and the colonial city despite the changes she expects to find. As she walks the streets, she notices the bustling activity and the presence of Haitians, a sight that was not common during her childhood. She remembers her father's pride in "putting the Haitians in their place." Eventually, she arrives at her childhood home and introduces herself to a woman in a white uniform.
On May 30, 1961, Rafael Léonidas Trujillo Modina, the dictator of the Dominican Republic, wakes up before four in the morning, as he always does. He prides himself on his discipline, instilled in him during his time with the United States Marine Corps. Despite being a powerful figure, Trujillo suffers from bedwetting, which frustrates him as it is a weakness he cannot overcome. He follows a strict morning routine of exercise, grooming, and listening to the news on the Dominican Voice, a media outlet run by his brother Petán. Trujillo feels a sense of superiority and disdain for his wife and children, and he particularly resents his sons' behavior in Paris. After getting dressed, Trujillo heads to his office at the National Palace, where both his breakfast and Colonel Johnny Abbes García, head of the SIM, await him.
Four men, Salvador Estrella Sadhalá, Amado García Guerrero, Antonio Imbert Barrera, and Antonio de la Maza, wait in a car across from the Malecón, anticipating Trujillo's arrival at Mahogany House. They are planning an assassination attempt on the dictator, and as they wait, they reminisce about their plan's origins. The religious member of the group, Salvador Estrella Sadhalá, known as Turk, warns against inappropriate conversations about sex. They discuss the change in Trujillo's routine, which led them to believe that he might visit San Cristóbal that day. They also reflect on their own motivations for plotting against Trujillo, recounting past events that led them to join the conspiracy. As they wait, an unidentified car approaches behind them.
After breakfast, Urania converses with the nurse about her father's condition. She learns that her cousinsand her Aunt Adelina visit daily, but her aunt stopped due to a hip injury. She then goes upstairs to her father's bedroom and is struck by how old and frail he looks. She tries to engage him in conversation, reminiscing about her life, her research on the Trujillo years, and past incidents involving Trujillo's "visits" to women. She remembers a time when she witnessed Trujillo at their neighbor's house and another when she was her mother sending Trujillo away. The nurse returns with fruit for Agustín, and Urania feeds it to him.
Trujillo and Colonel Johnny Abbes García, head of the SIM, have a morning meeting. Trujillo appreciates Abbes's directness in his reports and finds him to be an icy individual. They discuss the problem with the Catholic bishops, and Abbes suggests silencing Bishop Reilly immediately. However, Trujillo is concerned that doing so might lead to an invasion and prefers to postpone such actions. Abbes, known for his cruelty, has a reputation for committing heinous acts in his youth. Trujillo asks Abbes about the myths he's heard regarding his past actions, including poking out chicken eyes and grave robbing. Abbes neither confirms nor denies these rumors. Trujillo also questions Abbes about his sexuality, but Abbes dismisses the notion. Their attention then shifts to individuals they suspect are conspiring to assassinate Trujillo, including
Juan Tomás Díaz and Henry Dearborn. Trujillo believes Díaz wishes to avenge his dismissal from the military. Abbes requests permission to increase security along Trujillo's walking route and the highway to Mahogany House, where Trujillo has affairs with women. However, Trujillo refuses, fearing it would show weakness. Trujillo questions Abbes about his marriage to Lupe, and Abbes explains that she saved his life once, and despite not loving each other, he values her toughness in dangerous situations.
Antonio and the others wait with their shotgun for Trujillo's arrival. When Miguel Ángel Báez Díaz arrives instead, they are surprised to see him as he is known to be a devoted Trujillista. Antonio feels relieved knowing he can fulfill the promise he made to his family after his brother Tavito's death.
The text goes back in time to narrate the history of Antonio's family. Initially, the De la Maza family was anti-Trujillista and fought against him in the mountains. Antonio, Ernesto, and Tavito continued fighting until they were wounded. Trujillo noticed Antonio's marksmanship skills and offered him a positionas a military adjutant. Although Antonio never became a true Trujillista, he worked for Trujillo for over 20 years, contributing to his power and fortune.
Tavito, on the other hand, became a die-hard Trujillista, benefiting greatly from the government. Trujillo ordered Tavito to kidnap Professor Jesús de Galíndez, who was writing against Trujillo. The kidnapping caused an uproar, and Tavito was implicated. He was later found dead, supposedly committing suicide, but Antonio believed Trujillo was responsible.
Antonio confronted Trujillo about Tavito's death but was not allowed to take revenge. Instead, Trujillo granted the family a highway construction concession. Antonio swore to kill Trujillo eventually and now, on the highway, he is ready to fulfill that promise.
As Urania feeds her father, she asks the nurse if she remembers
Trujillo. The nurse was young when Trujillo was assassinated but knows that Agustín was an important figure in his government. Urania reflects on how horror has turned into myth over time and tells her father that there was crime during Trujillo's rule, even though people seemed to live better back then.
Urania recalls how all the girls adored Ramfis Trujillo, the Chief's son, who had a reputation for terrible deeds towards Dominican women and girls. At a party celebrating Ramfis's promotion, he noticed Urania and complimented her, causing her father's fury. Urania felt confused, assuming her father was jealous.
Ramfis had assaulted Rosalía Perdomo, a colonel's daughter, and although she survived, the incident brought shame to her family. Trujillo sent Ramfis to a military academy in the United States, where he continued his reckless lifestyle, causing issues with the US government. After Trujillo's assassination, two of his children died, one in a car crash and the other killed by the Columbian mafia. His surviving daughter, Angelita, became a born-again Christian living in Miami.
Urania tells her father that she has never taken vacations and spends her free time reading Dominican history. Despite living abroad, she has not lost her Dominican identity.
Trujillo meets with Senator Henry Chirinos, a capable but alcoholic man who provides legal justification for Trujillo's actions. They discuss the impact of sanctions on Dominican businesses, including those involving the Trujillo family. Chirinos suggests nationalizing some industries to transfer the losses to the state, but Trujillo is hesitant. He reveals that his wife and son have been secretly trying to move money overseas, which worries him. They also discuss the bishops and the possibility ofcorruption and reconciliation with the Church.
After Chirinos leaves, Trujillo feels paranoid about money being hidden overseas and wets himself. He calls General Román to reprimand him but forgets why. Later, he meets with Román and remains mysterious about the reason for their meeting.
Antonio de la Maza talks to Tony Imbert about his brother Segundo, who was promised amnesty but instead sentenced to prison. They discuss their plan to assassinate Trujillo and the failed attempt two and a half years ago. Tony reflects on his transformation from a Trujillista to an anti-Trujillista, partly influenced by his friendship with Turk, who became his best friend and model due to his devout and honorable convictions. They believe that killing Trujillo will justify any actions taken against his regime.
Urania's cousin Lucinda arrives at her father Agustín's house and is surprised to see Urania there, as she had returned to the Dominican Republic after many years. Lucinda compliments Urania's appearance and believes it's because she never married. Urania lies about the reason for her return, saying she wanted to surprise everyone. They discuss the aftermath of Trujillo's assassination and the impact it had on their family, with Agustín being treated poorly and Lucinda's father losing his job due to his association with Agustín.
Lucinda and Urania talk about Agustín's condition, and Urania believes he doesn't recognize her, but Lucinda disagrees, saying he understands everything even if he can't communicate. Lucinda asks about Urania's love life, and Urania lies about having an affair with an older, married man. In reality, Urania recalls her life in the United States, where she found joy in studying and had little social life.
Urania asks about Agustín's time in jail after the assassination, and Lucinda defends him, saying he served Trujillo in good faith. Urania argues that being a true believer made him worse because he willingly committed monstrous acts for Trujillo's regime.
After Lucinda leaves, Urania returns to her father's bedroom and reflects on her relationships with men. She considers herself cold towards men who show romantic interest in her. She wishes she could talk to her father about love and sex, wondering if power satisfied him to the point where he didn't need intimate relationships. Tired, she lies down on the bed and falls asleep.
Trujillo attends a luncheon honoring Simon Gittleman, an American Marine who remains a devoted supporter of Trujillo. Simon asks Trujillo about the most difficultsteps he took to make the country great, and Trujillo reveals that it was the removal of Haitians from the Dominican Republic. He justifies this action by claiming it was necessary for the country's existence. Trujillo recalls how he personally traveled the border to assess the situation before ordering the military to exterminate illegal Haitian nationals, except those on sugar plantations.
The conversation shifts to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the possibility of President Kennedy invading the Dominican Republic. Trujillo believes Kennedy will not send troops and declares his intention to defend his rule to the end. They discuss tensions with the Catholic Church, and Trujillo downplays the situation. Trujillo becomes irritated when he thinks about Simon's earlier question about Agustín Cabral but manages to compose himself.
Trujillo suffers from incontinence and worries about an incident during the luncheon. He feels relieved when he realizes he is dry.
Turk, a member of the assassination plot against Trujillo, reflects on his Lebanese heritage and the stories of his family's homeland. He is the oldest member of the group and has recently felt inspired to assassinate Trujillo, partly due to the Church's denouncement of the dictator in a pastoral letter.
After receiving encouragement from a priest and the papal ambassador, Turk feels justified in his plan to kill Trujillo. When Trujillo's car finally appears, the assassins chase him down and open fire. In the chaos, one of the conspirators is wounded, and they eventually confirm that Trujillo is dead. However, in the confusion, Turk accidentally shoots and wounds his own co-conspirator, Pedro Cedeño.
During supper, Urania notices the changed appearance of her Aunt Adelina, who looks much older and different from the vibrant woman Urania remembers. Urania's niece, Marianita, watches her closely, and
Urania wonders what she might have heard about her. The family discusses the time when a letter was published denouncing Agustín Cabral, Urania's father, leading to his downfall. The narrative shifts between the present and the past to recount the events.
Back when the letter was published, Agustín received news of it from his brother-in-law and suspected it might be a trap. The letter accused Agustín of corruption during his time as the Minister of Public Works, and he was bewildered as he tried to remember anything he might have done to offend Trujillo.
In the present, Urania's aunt and cousins claim that Urania benefited from the incident while the rest ofthe family suffered. They discuss the canceled Senate meeting and the subsequent doubts about Agustín's position as President of the Senate. Agustín learned that Trujillo had ordered an attack on him through Henry Chirinos. He arranged a meeting with Chirinos, who denied orchestrating the attack but advised Agustín to talk to Trujillo directly to resolve the issue.
The narrative shifts back to the past, where Agustín met with Abbes, the only government official willing to speak to him. Abbes told Agustín to write to Trujillo directly, and whether or not he would be arrested depended on Trujillo's response. Abbes hinted that the trouble might be related to Agustín attending a party at Henry Dearborn's house.
In the present, Aunt Adelina defends Agustín, praising him as an honorable politician and a great father. Urania, however, disagrees, claiming that Agustín made sacrifices to buy her and salve his guilty conscience.
After his meeting with Abbes, Agustín was inspired by the return of Manuel Alfonso, Trujillo's confidante, and ran out of the bar with newfound determination.
Trujillo meets with President Joaquín Balaguer and discovers that Balaguer authorized Urania Cabral's departure from the country without informing him. Trujillo suspects that the letter was misdirected to facilitate Urania's escape and wonders whether Cabral betrayed him. They discuss the Catholic Church and Balaguer's actions in convincing Monsignor Reilly to leave Ciudad Trujillo.
Trujillo considers Balaguer a mystery and wonders whether he has hidden motives. He reflects on Balaguer's speech called "God and Trujillo: A Realistic Interpretation," which he read out of curiosity but won't reveal to anyone.
Huáscar Tejeda and Pedro Livio Cedeño wait for the signal to cut off Trujillo's car. Pedro detests the regime due to personal reasons, including the murder of the Mirabal sisters. As they catch up to Trujillo's car, Pedro is thrown from the vehicle when they stop suddenly. He moves toward the car, and Turk unintentionally shoots him in the confusion.
Pedro is surrounded by the other conspirators, and they decide to show Trujillo's body to General Román to set the rest of the plan in motion. They promise any injured conspirator a coup de grâce to prevent capture by Trujillistas. Turk's oversight in leaving his Mercury on the highway raises concerns, and they discover Román is not at home.
Pedro is taken to the International Clinic for treatment. Abbes interrogates him about the conspiracy, and Pedro lies at first but eventually confesses. Abbes and theothers are surprised by the revelation that the two Antonios are looking for Pupo Román. The doctor convinces Abbes to allow Pedro to have immediate surgery, as he has slipped into a coma. Abbes threatens the doctor with execution if Pedro does not survive the surgery.
Urania continues to recount the story of Agustín's rift with Trujillo, switching between the past and the present. She introduces Manuel Alfonso, a handsome Dominican discovered by Trujillo while modeling in New York. Manuel Alfonso becomes Trujillo's advisor on fashion and style and also helps pick women for Trujillo.
Urania's family doesn't hold Manuel Alfonso in high regard, considering him a playboy, unaware of his connection with Agustín. Urania explains that Manuel Alfonso tried to help Agustín by offering to assist him in regaining Trujillo's favor.
Manuel Alfonso visits Agustín and informs him that Trujillo is unhappy
with him for various reasons, including his lack of devotion during the trouble with the Catholic Church. Agustín agrees to do anything to regain Trujillo's friendship and, after drinking whiskey with Manuel Alfonso, is shocked when Manuel Alfonso suggests offering 14-year-old Urania to have sex with Trujillo.
Manuel Alfonso claims it would be a privilege to have Trujillo engage in such acts with Urania, but Agustín protests, considering Urania too young for such a proposition. Nevertheless, Agustín doesn't immediately refuse, and Manuel Alfonso tells him to forget the suggestion if he can't go through with it. In the present, Adelina is still confused and demands an explanation from Urania, who insists that if she had stronger words, she would use them. She helps care for her father, paying for his nurse and care, prolonging his life to make him suffer.
When Urania was young, Agustín lied to her, claiming that Trujillo invited her to a party in San Cristóbal. He said she didn't have to go if she didn't want to, but Urania, oblivious to the true purpose, worried about how to prepare for the event.
After Pedro leaves for the International Clinic, Amadito, Imbert, and Turk decide to go into hiding at Imbert's cousin Manuel's house. Manuel treats their wounds in his office. Amadito chooses to go to a small farm owned by a mechanic named Antonio. Antonio helps him escape the city, but when he returns three days later, his demeanor has changed.
Antonio informs Amadito that Pedro has given them up, and their pictures are all over the newspapers.The government is offering rewards for information, and reprisals are expected for anyone suspected of being anti-Trujillo. Amadito must leave the farm and makes his way to his Aunt Meca's house.
SIM agents surround the house, and Amadito bravely fights back, killing one agent and injuring two more before being killed himself. The agents arrest Aunt Meca and brutally beat her while her neighbors destroy her house. Amadito's body is displayed in public as an example.
The chapter begins with Manuel Alfonso's chauffeur visiting Trujillo to inform him that he has found the girl, Yolanda, whom Trujillo had asked him to find. Trujillo instructs the chauffeur to take Yolanda to Mahogany House at 10 o'clock. Trujillo then visits his mother, Doña Julia, who is the only family member he feels no animosity towards. Afterward, he takes his daily walk with about 20 men from his inner circle.
During the walk, Trujillo speaks with Modesto Díaz and questions him about his brother, General Juan Tomás Díaz, trying to gather information about a potential conspiracy. Trujillo then talks to Johnny Abbes, asking why he allowed Urania to leave the country without informing him. Trujillo suspects that someone hid the memo about Urania's departure and orders Abbes to find out who.
Later, Trujillo notices Pupo's concern and decides to take him to the San Isidro base, where he shows Pupo a broken sewage pipe and orders him to punish those responsible. Trujillo returns to Radhamés Manor to prepare for his visit to Mahogany House but stops at a married woman's house, Moni, hoping to have an affair with her. However, when she tells him she is menstruating, he loses interest.
As they head towards Mahogany House, Trujillo notices a car driving erratically behind them. Suddenly, a rifle shot wounds him in the shoulder and left arm.
In this chapter, the conspirators, including the brothers Díaz(Juan Tomás and Modesto), Luis Amiama, and Antonio de la Maza, are disheartened and uncertain about their next move after Pupo's apparent abandonment. They gather at Juan Tomás Díaz's house to discuss their options. Antonio proposes a bold plan to storm the Palace and call for a popular uprising, but the others are skeptical, deeming it too risky. The group decides to split up, with Modesto and Luis going their separate ways and Turk, Antonio, and Juan Tomás seeking shelter at Robert Reid Cabral's house.
Robert, who is involved in the conspiracy on behalfof the United States, provides them refuge in his attic. However, as the days pass, they realize that their plan has failed, and the regime's response is ruthless. Antonio worries about the safety of his family back in Moca, as
they have been arrested by the government. The group sees a photo of Pupo embracing Ramfis at Trujillo's funeral, indicating that the regime remains intact with no civilian-military junta forming.
Robert eventually urges them to leave for the sake of his family's safety, and the conspirators depart towards Restauración, near the Haitian border, to seek escape from the country. Turk, Juan Tomás, and Antonio part ways, with Juan Tomás and Antonio attempting to find help from an anti-Trujillista attorney, but their efforts are met with disappointment and resistance.
As they travel, they realize that SIM agents are following them. In a desperate attempt to defend themselves, they open fire on the agents, but the chapter ends with their fate uncertain, as they are still alive but surrounded.
After his conversation with Trujillo, Pupo is filled with fear and unease, believing that Trujillo may have discovered the conspiracy. He recalls how fear and obedience have paralyzed him under Trujillo's rule. He had joined the conspiracy under specific conditions, and he had a plan to take over once Trujillo was eliminated.
Upon hearing news of Trujillo's assassination attempt, Pupo knows he must follow the plan. However, when he arrives at the scene, he does not detain or execute the Trujillistas as he had planned. Instead, he searches the scene with them and covers his tracks. Pupo attempts to lead the country through a transition to a civilian-military junta, but his actions are vague and incoherent.
Pupo's plan fails, and he is left in a state of panic and confusion. He attempts to regain control, but his orders become erratic and contradictory. He learns that Pedro has implicated him in the assassination plot. At a meeting in the Palace, he realizes that others hold more power and information than he does, and his position begins to crumble.
As Pupo's power slips away, he tries to execute Bishop Reilly and others implicated in the plot, but Balaguer intervenes to prevent further violence. Pupo is eventually arrested for his involvement in the assassination, and he is subjected to torture and questioning. He writes
down what he knows, omitting his brother from the conspiracy and claiming he wanted to abduct, notkill, Trujillo.
After months of torture, Pupo is shot by Ramfis, denying him a natural death.
Turk decides to turn himself in after learning that the SIM has taken his wife and children. He hails a cab, and the driver, who is also anti-Trujillista, offers to run away with him if needed. When SIM agents start following them, Turk asks the driver to stop and surrenders peacefully.
Turk is brutally tortured by Abbes and Ramfis, and he gives up information about Pupo's involvement. He finds himself in a cell with his brother Guaro, who was excluded from the conspiracy. They are later joined by the other conspirators, who were at El Nueve the whole time. Turk learns about the fates of other conspirators and the news that Ramfis plans to leave the Dominican Republic soon, which might lead to the assassins receiving amnesty.
The prisoners are transferred to La Victoria prison, and the torture stops. They receive news about Balaguer's speeches at the United Nations and the departure of Trujillo's brothers from the country. Turk fears that Ramfis might try to kill them before leaving.
Balaguer receives Pupo's phone call about Trujillo's assassination and realizes that the conspiracy has succeeded. He calmly takes control of the situation and starts establishing himself as the true President. He reassures the First Lady and ensures that the chain of command remains intact within the military.
Balaguer negotiates with Ramfis and convinces him to allow a transition to democracy, with Balaguer as the President and Ramfis controlling the military. Balaguer also successfully deals with Abbes, ensuring that the worst faces of the Trujillo regime are removed from power.
He supports the reconstruction of the crime and orders witnesses to attend to show that the government is acting within the law. However,
the van carrying the prisoners disappears, and Balaguer expects Ramfis to leave the country.
Trujillo's brothers confront Balaguer, but he manages to convince them not to harm him or the other conspirators. He negotiates for the release of the remaining prisoners and dissolves the Dominican Party. Balaguer also arranges for political amnesty for the prisoners and honors those who served the nation.
After the assassination, Antonio de la Maza, also known as Imbert, stays with his cousin Manuel for a while before deciding to hide out with Manuel's sister-in-law, Gladys. She houses him temporarily in a storage closet and allows him to roam freely when the maid is giventhe day off. However, when Gladys returns, she informs Imbert that Manuel has been arrested, and he must leave to avoid capture.
Imbert seeks help from a friend, Francisco, an ambassador of the Order of Malta. He pretends to be Francisco's wife when he calls, and Francisco agrees to help him hide. Francisco's friend at the Italian consulate, Cavaglieri, takes Imbert in, and he stays with them for six months. Imbert is grateful for their support and spends his time exercising, reading, and staying alert with a loaded gun.
After the departure of Trujillo's brothers, Balaguer declares amnesty for the remaining prisoners and fugitives, including Imbert. He returns home, having gained weight during his time in hiding, and meets with Balaguer, who names him a three-star general in the Dominican Army and declares him a hero for his service to the nation.
Urania recounts the evening of Trujillo's "party" to her family. She was taken to Mahogany House by Manuel Alfonso, and her father disappeared into the bathroom before her departure. Urania remembers the circuitous route they took but cannot explain why she didn't question it at the time.
At Mahogany House, Trujillo's henchman, Manuel Alfonso, charms and prepares Urania for her encounter with Trujillo. Trujillo tells her that the
party is just for her and that she must avoid certain behaviors not to irritate him. Urania is taken upstairs to Trujillo's bedroom, and Trujillo forces himself upon her, breaking her hymen in the process.
In the present day, Urania shares her painful memories with her family. Adelina and Manolita react with shock and sadness, while Lucinda tries to redeem her brother's actions, claiming he might not have fully understood what he had done. Urania remains firm in her decision to reveal the truth, and after telling her story, she prepares to return to New York, promising to keep in touch with her cousins. Marianita, Lucinda's daughter, expresses her desire to love and stay in touch with Urania, even if she doesn't always respond to her letters. Urania decides she will respond if Marianita writes to her.