The book deals with historical information relative to the Europeans and especially the Portuguese people's lives and their escape for a better life. Matthia's journey like many others was a leap of faith that ignited a passion to pursue a dream to a foreign land with the possibility of a better life. The story is about this young man's journey to the unknown and the hurdles he overcomes along with his five friends. Matthias establishes himself and becomes successful through hard work and perseverance. However, Matthias' quest for a better life is detoured by many factors. He finds himself away from his family and doing the same work he ran away.