There is so much I could say about this book- from how remarkable the characters are, to how vibrant the imagination of Antonio is, or how utterly dazzling it is for what it has to pronounce about people, religion, relationships, and inevitability.  I really, really enjoyed this and without giving too much away, I’d like to provide a small summery of the beginning. 
Antonio is a six year old boy who’s grown up with Catholicism in his family and town- but also strong paganism and separate beliefs.  His father is a wanderer and his family has traveled for years, but his mother’s family has stayed in the same town for ages- His father wants him to travel, His mother wants him to become a priest.  He’s so innocent, his thoughts are so complex, and then Ultima, the herbal medicinal “witch doctor” comes to live with them.  And I’ve already spoiled too much.  Oh, it’s so charming.