Content Warning: This guide contains discussions of emotional and physical domestic abuse as depicted in the novel. One character is identified as having Hansen’s disease, the illness formerly known as leprosy. The source text uses a derogatory term to link this character’s identity with his illness, as was common in the era. This guide will identify him by his name (Bosey) or as “the man with leprosy” (using the historically accurate term for the illness).

The novel takes place in 1634, when the United East India Company controlled most ocean trade routes. One such route ran from their outpost Batavia, in present-day Indonesia, to Amsterdam. This journey took eight months and followed a mapped route to minimize ships getting lost; however, they still faced many dangers, including disease, weather, and pirates.

Sammy Pipps, a famous detective, is arrested in Batavia. He is being transported in chains to the harbor to board the Saardam, a ship bound for Amsterdam, where he will stand trial. Throughout the walk, he is protected by his bodyguard, Arent Hayes, who blocks stones and trash thrown by an angry mob.

The men are escorted by four musketeers and Governor General Jan Haan, who purchased the village and turned it into the most profitable trading outpost of the United East India Company.