War takes no prisoners. It involves everyone — even children.
Twin brothers, Ahmed and Aziz, live in the peaceful shade of their family's orange grove. But when a bomb kills the boys' grandparents, they become pawns in their country's civil war. Blood demands more blood and, at the command of a local militant group, either Ahmed or Aziz must strap on a belt of explosives and make the ultimate sacrifice. Will the surviving twin ever manage to release himself from the past?
Why Peirene chose to publish this book:
'This story made me cry. Since the dawn of civilisation we have justified war by claiming that we are creating a better future for our children. And yet don't we run the risk of laying a curse on future generations? This story reminds us of our obligation to forgive — ourselves as well as others.'
Meike Ziervogel, publisher at Peirene Press
'Nuanced but contrasting. Rough but also sensual. Shot through with poweful dialogue but never rambling. This kind of writing takes guts.'
Le Devoir
'A little jewel, finely chiseled.'
Elle
'Larry Tremblay's ability [is] not so much to weave a storyline as to unravel it with finesse and beauty.'
Toronto Sun
