The Dreamer

This is the story of Neftali and his seemingly unhappy childhood.  Neftali's gift is his words, his love of them and his ability to craft something that appears dull and uninteresting into a thing of beauty and delight.  As the book ends the reader understands that this is the story of Pablo Neruda the famous poet.  Meta fiction - The Dreamer embodies the idea that dreams and gifts can never truly be extinguished so long as that small flame stays alive.  Neftali must actually question his father's authority and plan for his life.  In essence he must choose life for himself.