A young girl and her family must flee their home in Germany as the political climate shifts toward the rise of the Nazi regime. The protagonist, Anna, navigates the loss of her childhood comforts and the uncertainty of life as a refugee in Switzerland and France. She faces the challenge of adapting to new languages, cultures, and economic hardships while her parents struggle to maintain their dignity and provide for the family. The narrative is presented through a grounded, observant perspective that captures the disorientation of displacement and the resilience required to survive in an increasingly hostile world.

This work is widely recognized for its ability to convey the complexities of the refugee experience through a accessible, youthful lens. Readers and critics often highlight the balance between the gravity of the historical setting and the intimate, personal focus on the protagonist's daily life. The narrative is frequently praised for its lack of sentimentality, opting instead for a clear-eyed depiction of the challenges faced by those forced to leave their homes. It remains a significant contribution to literature regarding the impact of political conflict on family dynamics and individual identity.