The story begins in 1951 in Kubanacan, a small Caribbean island country known as a "banana republic," both for its prime export and its economic troubles. After the death of the current president, General Carlos Camacho stages a coup d'état and establishes a dictatorial regime. Additionally, the new ruler marries the wife of his predecessor, Mercedes, the first lady beloved by the people for her assistance to the poor, with whom he had an affair for years. In the village of Santiago, a mysterious man falls from the sky during a storm with a gunshot wound, being rescued by fishermen and cared for by Marisol. Without memory, Esteban falls in love with her and competes for her heart with her husband, Enrico, who leaves and allows his ex-wife to live with her new love, who takes over her two children. Seven years later, in 1958, Marisol meets Camacho, who persuades her to leave and live as his mistress, claiming she would never escape poverty in the village.
