"When We Were Romans" by Matthew Kneale is a poignant and heartrending novel that explores the world through the eyes of a young boy named Lawrence. The story follows Lawrence and his mother as they embark on a journey from England to Rome, driven by his mother's spiraling paranoia. Through Lawrence's innocent and perceptive perspective, Kneale skillfully delves into themes of childhood, family, mental illness, and the blurred line between reality and imagination, creating a moving narrative that captures the complexities of love and the challenges of navigating a troubled world.