Anna, a young Jewish refugee in London, grapples with the dual threat of the Blitz and her precarious status as an 'enemy alien' during World War II. As a teenager navigating first love and the constant fear of aerial bombardment, Anna faces the profound conflict of her former homeland, Germany, now the source of the bombs falling on her adopted city. Her primary objective is survival, not only for herself but for her beloved refugee family, all while confronting the possibility of a German invasion and the complex identity issues arising from her past.

This novel, previously published as The Other Way Round, is the second in Judith Kerr's acclaimed trilogy chronicling Anna's life through tumultuous historical periods. The narrative is noted for its poignant portrayal of a young refugee's experience during the London Blitz, blending personal growth with the harsh realities of war. Readers often connect with Anna's struggle to reconcile her German heritage with her current peril, finding the story both moving and historically resonant. The book is recognized for its sensitive handling of complex themes within a coming-of-age framework.