Francesco and his friends stumble upon a serene sanctuary at the Giglietto waterfall, nestled above the village of Spillace in Calabria, during a sweltering July. The group of vibrant teenagers relishes swimming in the lake and enjoying sumptuous meals. Yet, the seemingly perfect spot conceals a mystery: in one of the abandoned mills, Francesco and Marta encounter a scared but defiant wanderer who attempts to chase them away. Gradually, the man discloses the story behind the wound that drove him into hiding. As summer transitions into September, the youths come to understand that embracing life’s magic demands bravery and dedication. Carmine Abate’s novel is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale spanning a few months, delving into themes of dignity, resistance to oppression, and solidarity, symbolized by the timeless gesture of kissing bread to honor its gift and mystery.