Warlight by Michael Ondaatje

A beautifully crafted coming of age novel which explores the unusual upbringing of Nathaniel and his sister Rachel after their parents disappear leaving them in the hands of some nefarious people.  Nathaniel and Rachel feel both abandonment and threatened as well as loved and protected by this ragtag group who may or may not be involved in criminal activities and may or may not have been underground agents in the war.  The author has a way of making you take notice of every little remark, gesture or nickname in case it will be important later on - like a puzzle piece that allows you to finish the puzzle of what happened to their mother and what her role was during the war.  Nathaniel looks back on his life, questioning everything but it isn't until he gets a job in the government which will illuminate everything about his mother and her coworker's involvement.  This quiet but very powerful novel explores the influences that shape you growing up and the many versions of family.