Set in mid-19th century Guatemala, "Historia de un Pepe" is a historical novel that follows the life of a young orphan named Pepe. Abandoned at birth and raised by adoptive parents, Pepe's life takes a dramatic turn when his mother dies and his father throws him out on the streets. Forced to fend for himself, Pepe becomes a "pepenado" (orphan) and eventually joins the police force. As he rises through the ranks, Pepe becomes determined to catch a notorious criminal who has been terrorizing the city. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that the criminal is none other than his own father.