It is 1945. Victorious London and her country are exhausted; conflict and confusion dominate the ruins of Köln and Berlin, of Italy and fascist Spain; while a ruthless banditry will soon control the secret world in Washington's Foggy Bottom - its tentacles to reach even the Vatican.
Family and friends search for Harry Cardwell, alive or dead.
Harry's son, Frank pursues justice or revenge for Nuremburg and the Judge Advocate General - but eventually, exhausted, chooses Opera Lirica where the red flag flies in Emilia.
Frank, Helen and William with their children and children's children will gather and return for Harry and the new Millennium - to the snows of Puschlav and Alp Grüm.
The Cold War has divided the World, divides Europe, divides countries, above all divides the Cardwells. This far-reaching novel questions the accepted origins and the conduct of that division, and witnesses in particular the ruthless stranglehold of American power and paranoia on the politics and life of Italy and of Chile.