Have you ever read a book that stays with you long after you finish it? The Killer’s Tears
by Anne-Laure Bondoux is one of those books. It is emotional, and explores themes of
family, trust, and growing up.

The story follows Paolo Poloverdos, a young boy living on a remote farm in Chile. His
life changes forever when a traveler named Angel Allegria arrives, kills Paolo’s parents,
and surprisingly decides to raise him. Over time, Angel forms a fatherly bond with Paolo
and tries to leave his violent past behind.

Their quiet life is disrupted when another visitor, Luis Secunda, comes to the farm. Luis
is well-educated and wealthy, which causes tension as Paolo grows close to him and
Angel becomes jealous. Eventually, Angel recognizes that Luis can teach Paolo things he
cannot and accepts his presence.

The three travel to a nearby town for a fair, not a carnival, but the type of fair where
people sell animals and goods. Paolo experiences the wonders of city life for the first
time, mesmerized by the carpets, fountains, and the bustle of the town.

The story takes a bittersweet turn when Luis becomes infatuated with Delia, the motel
owner’s daughter, leaving Paolo and Angel behind. Paolo and Angel then find refuge
with an elderly lumberjack, who provides them a safe place for a few days. Angel
realizes that the lumberjack can give Paolo a better life and decides to leave, trusting that
Paolo will be okay. Soon after, the police take Paolo into foster care, and later he learns
that Angel has been arrested.

Years go by, and Paolo grows up in the care of a loving family. Once he comes of age, he
decides to visit Angel, only to find out he was executed a year earlier. Reflecting on his
past, Paolo returns to his old farm, where he eventually finds love with a traveler named
Terusa. Together, they raise two children and embrace life’s joys and challenges.

I would definitely recommend this book to my classmates. The story is captivating,
emotional, and the characters feel real and relatable. Be prepared for a sad ending, it
made me emotional, but that also makes the story unforgettable. I even recommended it
to my American Lit teacher, Mr. Rapier, because it is the kind of book that stays with you
long after the last page.