Written almost simultaneously, the two short novels that make up this work use all of the possible variants of narration: autobiography, detective store, historical tale, theoretical fiction, diary, sentimental story, and the fantastic. Using the logic of conspiracy as a starting point, Piglia has created a linear story where all the events are interwoven and tainted by threat, which nonetheless functions like a game of mirrors or a circular riddle. This may well be the book, now in its definitive version, which best represents Piglias literary style.