The novel, one of Archer's best sellers, portrays Florentyna's life from early childhood to her final ascension to the position of President of United States.

Their childhood, and all the incidents and people who affected them, are portrayed in a similar manner as their fathers' lives were told in Kane and Abel.

When their parents are told, both sets naturally react explosively; Abel goes so far as to slap the daughter he had raised with great affection.

Eventually Florentyna takes up politics due to the persuasion of a childhood friend named Edward Winchester.

Florentyna's career becomes central to the plot, as she attempts to deal with the problems a very busy and successful mother faces, including the fact that her daughter has an abortion in the early 1980s and smokes marijuana in the mid-1970s.

For the good of her party, she strikes a deal with her opponent, Pete Parkin to support him if he promises not to run for a second term, and if he makes her his vice presidential candidate.

Archer got the inspiration for Florentyna's political life and rise to the Presidency from the elections of Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi.