This is the first of 4 books that tell the story of two childhood friends, Elena and Lila who are growing up in the 1950s in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. The girls rely on each other,but as they get older,their lives start to diverge, yet the strong bond remains throughout book 4. The books are translated from Italian versions and portray a changing world as well as the path each girl takes. This series will take you right through the summer.