West's narrative takes on all of Mexican history, from the conquest by Spain and the Mexican Revolution, to the muralist movement, and explores the inner lives of such figures as Cortes, Montezuma, the Reclus brothers, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Dr. Atl and Leon Trotsky. Highlighting contradictions and paradoxes in the personal and public spheres, she offers insights into Mexican art and culture as well as human culture and destiny.