In 1542, after years of witnessing Indian suffering and slavery, Bartolome de Las Casas wrote this indictment against European exploitation and mistreatment of the native peoples of the New World. The document was dedicated to Prince Philip of Spain and appeared in published form in 1552. It carries all the urgency of a moment in history when it still seemed possible to reverse the tide. --From publisher's description.

After years of colonization, the Girard family accepts the controversial decision of their country, France, to cede to Spain in 1763 part of the untamed lands of the Mississippi; however, they will suffer the consequences of the rebellions of their compatriots against the Spanish, the war of Americans against the English for the independence of the United States, and the desperate struggle of the native Indians for the survival of their people. In such turbulent times, Suzette Girard and Ishcate, an Indian of the Kaskaskia tribe, will fight their own battle: to preserve their love from the threats of the world they live in. All this makes up a captivating and monumental novel that spans four decades during which Spain possessed the legendary lands of Louisiana.