Set in the 1970s, it narrates the return of Tieta to the remote village of Santana do Agreste, 26 years after being beaten and expelled by her father in front of all the town's people.

In the work of Jorge Amado, the novel falls between those books that, in novelistic tone, chronicle the times and customs, without losing sight of social and political criticism.

Published during the period of Brazil's military regime, the plot anticipates issues that would become central in the life of the country, such as concern for the environment and criticism of power relations guided by favoritism and corruption.

With her impetuosity and questioning spirit, Tieta joined the gallery of the author's great female characters, alongside Gabriela, Dona Flor and Tereza Batista.

But she is forced to reveal her true identity, as the Madam of São Paulo's best brothel, in order to save Agreste's beaches from an ugly and polluting factory development by calling on assistance from her well-connected clients.