A breathtaking account of personal experiences and memories of a 13-year-old boy who lived the hardships and almost daily atrocities of a full-scale war in Crete - 1943, 1944. Harsh winters, depleted farmland and an entirely collapsed economy led the whole island to utmost poverty. Living, however, in a healthy society and a family with strong ties kept the writer physically and morally sound, and even helped him to maintain some humor and optimism. This social environment also enabled him to develop crystal clear judgment on events and the people involved in this tragedy, without resentment or prejudice.