A startlingly original teenage novel from the internationally acclaimed author of DEATH AND THE MAIDEN.

Heller is delivering messages in Manhattan's melting-pot of immigrants.

Swerving through the city streets on his bike, he's carrying heartbreak and hope from around the world - and feeling it himself...As Heller reaches his 16th birthday in the long hot summer preceding September 11th, he confronts the timeless perplexities that have left older adults confused since the beginning of time.

Unrequited love, state indifference and family dynamics form the background to a fast-paced, moving and unusual novel for teenage and adult readers.