For Arturo Bandini, oldest son of Italian immigrants living in small-town Colorado during the Great Depression, the winter proves harsh. When his father seemingly abandons his family, Arturo is left to pick up the pieces, even as turmoil rages within him.

With its evocative account of grinding poverty, tragic love affairs and tumultuous adolescence, this first novel from the Bandini quartet is a much-neglected masterpiece of modern American literature.

"Bandini is a magnificent creation, and his rediscovery is not before time" - * Times Literary Supplement *

"John Fante takes some beating . . . mean, moody, disturbing and intensely atmospheric" - * The Times *

"If you haven't yet discovered John Fante, you're in for a wonderful treat" - * Evening Standard *

"John Fante knew how to make words sing" - * Uncut *

"A lost classic of American literature . . . Evocative of a time with great parallels to our own, Fante's novel portrays youthful ennui and young love brilliantly" - * Shortlist *