This book holds the interest of readers and is one to which many people can relate, as it evokes feelings of sadness, happiness, concern and even anger. Shem and Saran live contentedly with their mother, Sara, on an island in the Caribbean, their father having disappeared from their home when Shem was six and Saran was two. The last thing anyone has heard about him is that he joined the United States Army. Six years on and having apparently adjusted to a life without a father, their world is shattered when their mother takes ill and subsequently dies. Shem's godmother offers to keep them, but this begins a life of unexpected difficulties for these two unfortunate children. The self-absorbed godmother becomes overwhelmed with the extent of her commitment and eventually resorts to sending them to a children's home. Tragedy follows them to the home and life becomes further complicated. Can one young boy nursing his own inner disappointment for years cope with the persistent curve balls? Eventually Shem is able to move to his own apartment, taking his sister with him but is that the wisest decision? And what could cause their father to reappear in their lives at this time and with shocking revelations? Shem has to decide how he will handle this new situation, which, if not handled correctly, could cause more pain. He must ensure that the tentacles of the past do not reach out and prevent him from finally having a peaceful life.