This book is structured as several short stories which fit into the overall arc of Hannah, the book conservator, finds various clues as to a manuscript's history. Each story gives us a deeper understanding of how the manuscript came to be from its binding to its painted pictures to its writing. The historical details feel like they are meticulously researched and, although she learns a lot about the manuscript, Hannah does not find out out as much as we do. But we all get an insight into the importance of the manuscript itself and what sacrifices people made to keep it from descruction.