Tom Wilenski, a washed-up journalist, is given the task of writing one last report: about a group of women rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. Once aboard their nameless ship, he feels trapped. The women believe he holds the wrong opinions and want to get rid of him, but the Italian coast guard refuses the ship entry into the ports. Then, they decide to embark on a new rescue mission. Food and fuel run out, the euphoria of the rescued men turns into despair, and as if by magic, both Sicily and Malta disappear from the sea. Tom wonders if he will ever leave the ship alive.

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'The Bastard' touches on current themes and is a sharp novel about the age-old tradition of venerating women who sacrifice their bodies for their ideals.