This book was a sad, but exciting, coming-of-age book that kept my interest until the very end, as well as after I had finished it. It dealt with many different issues such as World War II, culture differences, poverty, and drug reliance in a manner that helped you feel as if you were living in the 1940s with Cid. The setting and mood was mostly dark, but it fit the plot well. Times were tough, Cid fended for himself, but the overall feel of the book had an edge of hope that made the reader cheer him on as he faced his enemies: some human, some within himself. Cid and all of the characters were all very believable. Cid was violent, he got into fights like teenage boys do, and he acted like you expected him to after getting to know his personality traits. The story is told from Cid's perspective, which fits the style of the book. It is intense, powerful, and very interesting. The author ended the story almost abruptly, but it fit with the plot. I loved the whole book: Cid's confusion and heartbreak, all of his struggles that built his entire character. I felt like I could have been his best friend. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy an intense page-turner.