This book is a raw and gritty portrayal of life in Havana, Cuba during the economic collapse of the 1990s. The story is narrated by a former journalist turned hustler who lives in the city's slums. The protagonist survives through a series of odd jobs and illegal activities, as he navigates through a world of poverty, violence, and corruption. The narrative is filled with graphic depictions of sex, drugs, and the struggle to survive, providing a stark contrast to the romanticized image of Havana.

The novel delves into the lives of a group of society's marginalized individuals, bound together by their struggles with addiction and poverty. Through a fragmented narrative that weaves together various perspectives, the story unfolds around the death of a homeless man during a cold winter in a derelict apartment. As the authorities investigate the circumstances of his death, the interconnected tales of his companions—each grappling with their own demons and histories of loss, neglect, and trauma—come to light, painting a stark and haunting portrait of life on the fringes of society. The book is a poignant exploration of the human condition and the thin lines between visibility and invisibility in the urban landscape.