Synopsis

This tale, on the surface a story about vengeance, is a stunning lesson in the nature of violence, of love and of offering. The main character, Santiago, wants to kill his brother-in-law, Tony, an alcoholic who beats Santiago's sister and her children. During this quest - through the process of remembering childhood acts of heroism performed by himself and those he loves - Santiago comes to accept the fact that, regardless of our child-like wishes, pure and profane life realities coexist, that sometimes we don't know the difference between the two and that we must remember the unique realities of our lives, beautiful and ugly, because from these we derive meaning and strength. A must read.

Book Details