Set in the vibrant, troubled landscape of Spain, this thrilling and deeply moving novel tells the story of a young boy named Antonito, who lives on a farm high in the Andalusian mountains. Antonito’s life is deeply connected to the land and, most importantly, to Paco, the magnificent fighting bull he has known and loved since birth. Antonito is horrified by the brutal spectacle of the bullfighting ring but understands it is a deep-seated tradition. However, the true terror is unleashed not by the bulls, but by the devastating start of the Spanish Civil War. The political conflict rapidly spreads to the peaceful countryside, tearing families and communities apart. When the fighting reaches his farm, Antonito is forced to flee, embarking on a terrifying journey to safety. He is separated from his family and must survive alone, navigating a land consumed by violence. Throughout the chaos, Antonito is determined to save his beloved bull, Paco. The story becomes a harrowing fight for survival, a testament to the boy's courage, and a powerful statement on the cruelty of both war and traditional sport, as Antonito races against time to save his friend from the brutality of the ring and the merciless conflict raging across Spain.
