The stories in this book are people stories; a chronological, political and social drama running parallel with a rapid coming of age in an unknown world. In between is a history of a tiny country and its people, lessons learned and family remembered. "Pavel manages, from her present and sophisticated vantage, to evoke the innocence of youth." -Nicholas Delbanco, author of Why Writing Matters "Stories that are at turns funny and poignant, sometimes at the same time, and always memorable." -Emma Hamilton, Professor of Literature, Stony Brook "Steeped in compassion and grace." -Mark Hummel, author of Man, Underground