In a north African country, an aged tyrant is dying of cancer. Everyone knows that his son is intended to succeed him but not everyone is prepared to let this happen. One of these is the vice president, Saali al- Malimi, another is Nasir Razik an impoverished young lecturer. Together they set out on a course of action that might bring success but could have fatal consequences for either or both of them.

Nasir is unhappily married. His wife, Aliyah, longs for the village where she was brought up. Samira, the go-between, is clever, sophisticated and enigmatic. A choice must be made.