When his younger sister disappears, twelve-year-old Diego is forced into a desperate gamble to pay off his family's mounting debts. Diego lives within the confines of the San Sebastian Women's Prison in Bolivia, where he navigates the precarious boundary between his incarcerated parents and the outside world. His objective is to secure his family's freedom and safety, but he faces opposition from corrupt criminal networks and the harsh realities of the illegal drug trade. The narrative follows a linear progression, detailing Diego's transition from a prison-based life to the perilous environment of a jungle cocaine operation.

Readers frequently highlight the stark, unflinching portrayal of life within the Bolivian prison system as a standout element of the narrative. Discussion often centers on the moral dilemmas Diego faces as he is drawn into illegal activities to protect his family. Critics note that the author maintains a steady, urgent pace that mirrors the protagonist's increasing desperation. The book is often praised for its ability to humanize complex geopolitical issues through the eyes of a young boy. Many readers find the depiction of the jungle labor camp to be particularly effective in conveying the gravity of the protagonist's situation.