Ramataisaspellbindinglybeautifulwomaninherfifties.ShehasbeenmarriedforthirtyyearsnowtoMatarSamb,averyrichman,aformerprosecutorwhoisnowMinisterofJustice.TheyliveinLesAlmadies,anelegantneighborhoodofDakar.NgorNdongistwenty-five.Heisyoung,strong,mysteriousandhomeless.Heisanoccasionalpettycrook,knowntothepolice.Oneevening,inataxithatNgorNdongjusthappenstobedriving,Ramata,reticentatfirst,finallyagreestofollowthisyoungmanhalfheragetotheCopacabana,adiveintheseediestpartofDakar.