Part I: Castro Alves -- Index of family members -- The three Marias -- Paramirim Street -- Tales of the older generation -- A very, very old woman -- The club of the stars -- Scrounging -- My brother's bravery -- Mother's nourishing stories -- The devil's twig -- Attack of the hookworms -- Songs and games -- The neighborhood -- Leaving town -- Part II: Salvador - the redeemer -- Nymph of the waters -- Paralyzed papayas -- Across the highway -- The return of the syringe -- Grace -- Removal of the invaders -- College -- A new beginning.