Havana, 1958, the year that culminates in the triumph of the Revolution. Ten-year-old Samuel has just arrived in town with his recently divorced mother, Alicia. They make a striking pair: from their demeanor it seems she is the child and he the adult. They take up residence in the house of his eccentric grandmother Violeta, and Samuel is introduced to a new, mysterious world: Violeta's house has rooms where entry is prohibited and cupboards filled with images of the saints. The relationship Samuel develops with his grandmother is quite singular. At first it is strained but she soon discovers a kindred spirit in her grandson.