Raimund Gregorius, a Swiss Professor (Jeremy Irons) saves a beautiful Portuguese woman from leaping to her death, who loses a rare book by a Portuguese author. The book compels him to abandon his boring life and to embark on an enthralling adventure. In search of the author, Gregorius acts as detective, pulling together pieces of a puzzle that involve political and emotional intrigue at the highest possible stakes. His voyage transcends time and space, delving into the realms of history, medicine and love, all in search of the true meaning to his life.