The curiously contrived family of Simón, Inés and Davíd resettle in the city of Estrella, after being forced to flee their previous home in Novilla following a dispute with the education authorities. There they seek to continue the schooling of the headstrong and gifted boy, Davíd. Davíd starts attending an unusual Dance Academy and falls under the influence of his charismatic teacher and the unnerving doorman, Dmitri. This mesmerising and thought-provoking novel is a masterwork from one of our most important writers.