"The allegorical island is actually a 1960s Recife apartment. Once tenants begin to die of unknown causes, survivors, including the wife and daughter of protagonist, leave the building. He remains alone on the 'island,' trying to find a solution to his fear of becoming another victim. The story is a veiled accusation of military dictatorship for the sudden disappearances occurring during that period. Short narrative was adapted for Brazilian television"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.