ABOUT THIS BOOK

On the afternoon when Angel Allegria arrives at the Poloverdos’ farmhouse, he kills the farmer and his wife. But he spares their child, Paolo–a young boy who will claim this as the day on which he was born. Together the killer and the boy begin a new life on this remote and rugged stretch of land in Chile.

Then Luis Secunda, a well-to-do and educated fellow from the city descends upon them. Paolo is caught in the paternal rivalry between the two men. But life resumes its course . . . until circumstances force the three to leave the farm. In doing so, Angel and Luis confront their pasts as well as their inevitable destinies–destinies that profoundly shape Paolo’s own future.


From the Hardcover edition.


REVIEWS

"Bondoux's evocative and beautifully translated story reaches into the icy soul of a murderer and chronicles the warming effect of a needy and innocent boy."—Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A haunting, provocative blend of allegory, gritty social commentary, and magic realism that defies definition."—Booklist, Starred


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne-Laure Bondoux is the author of Life as It Comes, The Destiny of Linus Hoppe and The Second Life of Linus Hoppe. She lives in France.


AWARDS

WINNER 2007 - Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
WINNER 2007 - ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER 2007 - ALA Best Books for Young Adults