Two lives, those of Laura and her mother Leonella, are linked to a mutual aid association that deals with alcoholism in its first years of life. Mario, Laura's twin, is overwhelmed by alcohol and drug problems since his childhood. Laura and Leonella try helping him in all possible ways. In the book personal events alternate with those of Al-Anon (an association gathering families and friends of Alcoholics Anonymous), becoming inseparable, as it was in reality. The problems will be overcome thanks to the guide-lines postulated by the association itself. "It is precisely the way in which the difficulties have been overcome - the author declares - to highlight the value and the spirit of Al-Anon that through the world has helped thousands and thousands of relatives and friends of people whose life was upset by alcoholism". The family affair will end tragically but Leonella will continue to translate for Al-Anon until her last days of life.