

Set in 1940s SĂŁo Paulo, the story follows Laura, a modern woman devoted to the arts who is oppressed by her husband, NatĂ©rcio Prado—a wealthy man with traditional views. Amidst marital turmoil, Laura suffers a severe trauma and is even committed to an asylum by her husband. The couple separates, and the family is torn apart: Laura keeps her youngest daughter, VirgĂnia, while NatĂ©rcio retains custody of the other daughters, Otávia and Bruna. Frail and penniless, Laura moves into the Vila Mariana home of her neurologist, Daniel. He is in love with his patient and believes her condition is physical rather than mental. Laura hides the fact that VirgĂnia is actually Daniel's daughter. The youngest daughter eventually returns to live with her father, where she faces hostility and harshness from the housekeeper, Frau Herta.