Just from the cover, this story seems to be one of much hardship for young Amerigo. The story opens up in 1946, right at the end of WWII, and goes until 1994. I really like stories that follow characters from a young, impressionable age to when they are older and reflecting on their past life. The writing is very engaging and beautiful, and I want to see how young Amerigo turns out and the choices he makes that shapes his life.