The backdrop includes the Third Carlist War , the ongoing conflict in Cuba , and the internal divisions among republicans (Unitarians vs. Federalists) that fueled the "Cantonal" movement in cities like Cartagena. CVED- "El año de la República" de José Calvo Poyato

The story begins in February 1873 with the abdication of King Amadeo I and the subsequent proclamation of the Republic. The narrative follows two primary threads:

The book vividly depicts 19th-century Madrid, particularly the famous tertulias at the Café Suizo . Besora interacts with prominent figures of the era, such as writers Benito Pérez Galdós , Juan Valera, and José Zorrilla, as well as political leaders like Cánovas del Castillo.

Besora is approached by a mysterious young man, Alonso Figueroa, to investigate the disappearance of two high-value incunabula from the National Library . This investigation leads to a series of crimes, including a murder on Calle de la Luna, involving an enigmatic woman and an art restorer. Historical Setting & Characters

The novel is noted for its rigorous historical detail, blending fictional intrigue with real-life events and figures.