The book was written based on 18 hours of recorded interviews by García Márquez with Miguel Littin in 1986.

After ten years of dictatorship, Augusto Pinochet issued a list with the names of exiles allowed to return to Chile.

During his visit Miguel, disguised as a Uruguayan businessman, directs three European film crews shooting a documentary about Chilean life under the dictatorship.

He shoots interviews with ordinary Chileans and people of organized resistance movements who operate underground.

He succeeds in his mission and leaves Chile at the moment when the Chilean authorities have almost discovered his presence in the country.