A medal for Belen

The novel extends from the beginning of the 20th century at the dawn of science electric light and great inventions to the immersion in the First World War a conflict that will leave indelible wounds on the characters. It goes through the Centennial of the May Revolution the so-called fiesta of the Argentinians where thousands of men with their canotiers oriones and pajizos follow enthusiastic parades inaugurations and exhibitions until the first social conflicts and the revolts in France and Germany two warring nations one of them still with de-seos of revenge after 1870. It is the prelude to the passage from chivalry in war to cruelty at its best. Before us move Argentine French German and Uruguayan families doctors from the French Health Service students settlers doctors and professors from the Argentine School of Medicine military laborers presidents officials and employees whose fates are intertwined in an intricate web of coincidences.