The novel follows an Italian general who is tasked with recovering the bodies of fallen Italian soldiers in Albania after World War II. Accompanied by a priest, the general faces numerous challenges, including harsh weather, uncooperative locals, and his own growing despair. As he uncovers the stories of the dead, he is forced to confront the brutal realities of war and the haunting specter of his own mortality. The novel explores themes of war, death, and the human condition.

"Torregreca" is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences living in a small, impoverished village in southern Italy during the 1950s. As an American working on a child welfare project, the author immerses herself in the local culture, grappling with the stark realities of rural poverty, the complexities of community life, and the resilience of the villagers. Through vivid storytelling, the narrative explores themes of isolation, cultural clash, and personal transformation, offering a poignant insight into both the hardships and the enduring spirit of the people she comes to know.