The Mexico of 1916 is in upheaval and even the folds of the Sierra Tarahumara cannot protect its inhabitants from the clashes of the past with the future. Mexico is seeking its identity, and the Ibarra family epitomizes that search. Fortunata Ibarra joins Pancho Villa and his revolutionaries when they pass through the old mining town of Batopilas. The rugged reality of battle transforms her more than Mexico. Pablo Ibarra cannot stay out of the mountains, consternating his father who wants him to enter the life of modern Mexico. Instead Dionicio, a Tarahumara Indian, and his family befriend Pablo and teach him their language, their culture and their healing ways. Yet Pablo remains a Chabochi, a white man, in the eyes of the Tarahumara and to the sorcerer Zafiro, a rival. Martin Ibarra, the musician and middle child, has never had any great aspirations for himself or his country. Neither has he had any conflicts.