FLESH AND BLOOD follows three generations of the Stassos as they are transformed by ambition, love, violence, and history. Constantine Stassos, a Greek immigrant, marries an Italian-American girl, and they have three kids, each fated to lead a complex life. First is Susan, a daughter oppressed by her beauty and her father's affection. The brilliant and gay Billy is born second, and Zoe, a wild, heedless visionary, follows as the last of the three Stassos children. As years pass, Zoe raises a child with the help of a transvestite, Billy makes a life with another guy, and Susan raises a son conceived in secret. Each story extends the meaning of family and love. From the bestselling author of The Hours and Specimen Days comes a generous, masterfully crafted novel with all the power of a Greek tragedy.The epic tale of an American family, Flesh and Blood follows three generations of the Stassos clan as it is transformed by ambition, love, and history. Constantine Stassos, a Greek immigrant, marries Mary Cuccio, an Italian-American girl, and they have three children, each fated to a complex life. Susan is oppressed by her beauty and her father's affections; Billy is brilliant, and gay; Zoe is a wild, heedless visionary. As the years pass, their lives unfold in ways that compel them--and their parents--to meet ever greater challenges.