The Beloved of the Mother: The Beloved of the Mother tells the story of Clara's unrequited lifelong love for the famous conductor Edwin, as recorded by her son. It is also a novel about money and power, about the reversal of circumstances, and about the 20th century. The Book of the Father: The Book of the Father is the account of a passionate life, defined by a love for literature. It encompasses the great utopias, hopes, and disappointments of the 20th century, and the love for Clara Molinari, a mysterious woman.