Cal McCrystal takes the reader on two overlapping, very poignant journeys in Northern Ireland. One journey traverses the years and experiences of his childhood, and the other retraces some of those steps today, observing and reflecting. The purpose is to shed light on a situation that has perplexed most people outside Northern Ireland - how a smallish community, divided by history yet possessing many virtues can so willingly and knowingly tear itself apart.