Alvaro’s world is one of rivers and streams. This remote island off the Argen - tinean coast is where he ekes out a humble existence. Fishing and reed-cutting are his only sources of income. Out here, it is as if time has stood still. Alvaro’s homosexuality makes him just as much of an outsider as does his love of books. The only link between this forlorn part of the world in the middle of the wide ocean and the city on the mainland is skipper El Turu’s little boat, “El León”, that carries islanders back and forth, once a day. El Turu himself takes the helm every single day.