Since he became an orphan, el Lagartija struggles to live in the misery of Triana streets, a neighbourhood in Seville. Alongside with a one-handed boy, who is just a bit older than him, and two twin brothers. Every day, they venture into the crowded alleys in search of lost coins or a crust of bread. However, a tragedy will force the group of friends to separate. From that moment on, el Lagartija will have to face the harshness of fate alone and try to act carefully, especially when Hendrick van Belle, a Flemish merchant involved in shady dealings, enters his life and tricks him into becoming his apprentice. Only by leaving behind his innocence and arming himself with courage will this young astute boy be able to survive in a world of violence, corruption, and boundless ambition.
With the same excellence of the great masters of historical fiction, Jon Echanove transports us through the eyes of a child to a dazzling and beautiful Seville, but also a remarkably ruthless one.