In this disturbing late novel. Lawrence's pagan side finds full expression. Kate Leslie, an Irish widow visiting Mexico, finds herself equally repelled and fascinated by what she sees as the primitive cruelty of the country. As she becomes involved with the intellectual and political leader Don Ramon, and General Cipriano, a pure-bred Indian of raw sexual energy, her perceptions change.

Caught up in the plans of these two men to revive the old Aztec religion and political order, she submits to the 'blood-consciousness' and phallic power that they represent.