Would you sell your son if it means he will lead a better life than you can offer him; if it means a bag of gold for you; if it means the boy will never lead a 'normal' life? Phillipe, the narrator of this tale, is secretary to Count De Lorenzo, and love to the Count's young wife. He is tasked with buying young boys from poor villagers, having them castrated and taking them to Florence to be taught to sing as castrati. The parents are told that their sons are especially blessed with their wonderful voices and they do not object to the boys making the physical sacrifice in order to thank and praise the Lord; not to the bag of gold they are given in exchange. The boys are innocents, victims of circumstances beyond their control. Surely they can have nothing to do with a barber's mysterious death, or the suicide of an abusive Jesuit priest? This is a tale of passion, revenge, guilt, loss - and yes, love.