This book was written by the fellow who wrote The Mambo Kings Sing Songs of Love. I don't know if it is really a Christmas tale, even though the holiday certainly happens through it a lot. More, it is a beautifully written, bittersweet tale of a broken families, forgiveness, redemption and to me, wasted lives. It is set in old NYC with a cast of many nationalities. A story of how one quick, unplanned moment, two shots from a gun, will change the entire, long lives of so very many people.
A thing of note, there wasn't a character I didn't like in the entire book.

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Hijuelos is a master story teller. Beautifully written book.

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Excellent novel by Mr. Hijuelos.

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I enjoyed this book. It's not really fast paced but the author really gives you an insight into the life of a man who has to come to terms with the tragedy of losing his son and forgiving the man who shot him -- especially since this is what his faith tells him he should do.

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By the author of The Mambo Kings-a completely different kind of novel. A gentle, tormented man is the focus of a story "both magnificently sad and enchanting". A life affirming story in which the author shows us "miracles are sometimes nearer then we believe".

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A wonderful rich story for any time of year.

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