July 1949 in Fiesole. Colonel Mari and his wife Iolanda spend a weekend invited by Barbara Mills, an American journalist friend of theirs. She welcomes them with exuberance by introducing them to the ten guests, all members of international high society. At the end of the welcome dinner, Barbara announces a surprise that she will unveil the following day. Mari to the fullest until the truth is revealed.

The author once again describes aspects of society and life in the early post-war years. Accurate, fascinating descriptions and an investigation conducted with rigour and methods typical of that historical period cannot fail to fascinate due to the originality of the narrative full of twists and turns.