Enjoying a well off comfortable life with her family in Australia, the author looks back at the life she endured during WWII and later. Mari takes us back to the years after that very dark period and allows us to travel through some parts of Europe, including the ruins of Pompeii, then to free, but austere Australia of the 1950s. She reflects on the excesses of both right and left political extreme governments describing some of the horrendous methods they used to get what they wanted. In contrast she thanks her Mother for bringing her to the free, beautiful, accepting Australia we all enjoy. Some excerpts from the book: Woman trying to shield their children, covering them with their bodies. And the fear, oh the fear. At this, one of the men grabbed her arm and pulled her the other way. Hanna tried to escape, but there was no way. Now she knew she was in trouble. "Let's cry into each other's arms and start a new beginning. Let's build up a good life for the girls and for us. We deserve it." My flirtatious girl self, came to the surface. I thanked him with a girly smile pulled my dress in order and flicked my hair as only girls who like a boy can. Bringing us to this great country that has taken us in and allowed us to become part of them. The sun is shining, even when it's not and we are free. What more could I ask for.