What a beautiful book!  The illustrations strike one first, rich in color and evocative of the time and place and mood of the story.  The story is equally beautiful – that of a boy ostracized since birth, as the illegitimate child of a mixed-race, mixed-class relationship.  Though left without a standing in the society in which he lives, Martin continuously responds in kindness and compassion to all those around him, including those who ostracized him, becoming known as a great healer sought by all.