The novel revolves around the nature of passion in humans. Each of the novel's heroes is touched by passion for something, and this passion varies and differs according to the characters in the work, their culture, and their time. The novel takes place in two different time periods, linked by a painting of an Egyptian girl named Zeinab, which arrived at the restoration department along with the books and manuscripts damaged by the fire at the Scientific Institute during the January Revolution. While restoring the damage to the painting, Yasmine, a researcher and professor of art history, discovers a dangerous secret. In another strand, we return to the time of the French campaign in Egypt, where Zeinab tells us the truth about her relationship with Napoleon Bonaparte and one of the artists of the French campaign.