The story begins in 1899, during the period of the so-called Rubber Revolution, when Acre was the only latex-producing region. Seeking refuge from the drought that had swept across the northeast regions, Bashtyao and his family arrive in Acre in the hope of a better future. Bashtyao's family consists of his wife Angelina and two children, daughter Delzuite and son Bentu. Arriving at the Santa Rita rubber plantation, owned by Colonel Fermin, Bashtyao realizes that the prosperity he dreamed of is an illusion. Like the other workers, Bashtyao and his family are in the hands of Colonel Fermin, who monopolizes production, controls expenses, and dictates prices. The workers are obliged to sell the latex extracted to the plantation owner. Bashtyao hates Colonel Fermin. With the help of Father Jose he and the other workers begin to fight for their rights.