The novel is set in Sudan and begins in a remote village where the mysterious drowning of a child in the Nile creates fear and rumors among the villagers. Soon after, other strange and tragic events occur, increasing tension and suspicion in the community.
The story follows several women across different times and places, including a teenage girl who dreams of leaving her village and a single mother struggling to survive in Khartoum. Through their lives, the novel explores the challenges faced by women in a society shaped by tradition, poverty, and political unrest.
As the country becomes increasingly unstable, the characters must confront violence, loss, and social change.