It's Vienna in 1936 and Leo, Elsa and Max couldn't be happier. They are enjoying a perfect day together, three young friends as yet oblivious to the horrors that are in store.

While they have hints of the tensions and unease among their parents, nothing could have prepared them for their plight.

Will they be able to remain friends? Torn apart from each other, will they ever meet again? How will their experiences change them?   

A shocking and disturbing account of the horrors, cruelty and tragedy of the Second World War, as well as an exploration of the bonds of family and friendship. It is all beautifully told through the innocence of these three young friends. I didn't want to carry on reading, but couldn't stop. The situations and characters were vivid yet it was delicately handled. The author's introduction, explaining how the novel was inspired by real events, made reading this story all the more affecting and heartbreaking.