The book is a sprawling narrative that intertwines two timelines: the first during World War II, focusing on the efforts of cryptographers and mathematicians working to break Axis codes, and the second in the late 20th century, following a group of entrepreneurs and hackers establishing a data haven in Southeast Asia. The novel explores themes of cryptography, mathematics, and the history of computing, weaving together real historical figures with fictional characters. As the plot unfolds across different continents and eras, it delves into the impact of information technology on society and the perpetual conflict between governments and individuals over the control of information and privacy.

The book chronicles the harrowing adventures of Alonso Ramírez, a Puerto Rican man who, after being forced into piracy, endures a series of calamitous events at sea and across various lands. Captured by pirates, he survives shipwrecks, enslavement, and numerous hardships before eventually making his way back to Spanish territory. His story, which is presented as a true account, blurs the lines between fact and fiction, offering a unique perspective on colonial life, maritime culture, and the struggles of individuals caught between different worlds during the late 17th century.