Will Santoli is a Marine fighting in the Iraq War. After what he perceives as an action of his causes the death of Ali Hassan's family, Santoli builds a friendship with eleven-year-old Ali. When the truth comes to light, their friendship is ended. Santoli is given no time to heal the discord. He is being shipped back home. Once home, he feels like a fish out of water. He doesn't fit into his old lifestyle, and he doesn't fit in comfortably with the man he has become. Santoli is diagnosed with PTSD and given medication. Unable to formulate the two realities of his life, Santoli returns to Iraq and the orphanage in hopes of finding Ali and healing the divide. What he's really after is forgiveness. Ali's forgiveness.

This is a heart-wrenching story. As the reader, I felt for Santoli and the conflicting emotions oscillating within him. The emotional isolation and preceived betrayal of Ali leaves this reader drenched in despair. There is no discerning victor in war, just war-torn countries and casualties, according to Santoli's thinking. In the end, how do you heal yourself and give back after all the devastation? What is the true meaning of forgiveness? These questions are just a few of the concepts covered in this novel. 

The character development is superb. The plot is intricate and meticulous. The description is outstanding. The atmosphere and tone are haunting and stunning. Warning: profanity and violence.