I like it. I have to disagree with the other reviewer. I think the long memory thing is a good introduction to explain what happened to the lead character and what sent him on the road he wound up traveling. As for the first person thing, it sure worked well for Louis Lamour. I think you have a real knack for telling a story and I look forward to more.

Hmm...well, you've sparked my interest.

I'm not sure the long, descriptive memory works, since it seems rather unbelievable to me that someone would launch into such a detailed account of his/her past. I mean, a flash-back could work; but personally, I think it would have been better if it were written in the third person instead of the first person. Of course, that could just be bias, since I've yet to read an old western story that wasn't in the third person. O.o
But this doesn't really read like western, either...

Also, I was a tad confused at first about his parents. It seemed like he was coming back home to visit them, the way he talked about them being there and stuff, but that's probably just me. XDDid they refer to it as the American Dream back then? I don't think so...but then, I don't really know. It seems odd, though.

So anyway, this character suffered a lot. O.o
Quite gruesome past. I'd think he'd have died from all that blood loss, but...I guess. 'Nyways, you got me interested. So...yeah. Cheers!