Set in Southern France in 1942, this poignant novel tells the true story of Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal and her sister Hanni, who have spent three years fleeing Nazi Germany. They find temporary safety among a hundred other young refugees in a dilapidated castle managed by the Swiss Red Cross. Here, dedicated volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet work tirelessly to protect these vulnerable children. Rösli, a determined nurse, has cultivated a thriving community at Château de la Hille, while Anne-Marie, raised by foresters, becomes a nurturing figure for the children, committed to their safety. However, as Germany invades southern France, the stakes rise dramatically, and the safety of the refugees is jeopardized. Faced with unrelenting danger, Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the oldest children is to smuggle them out of France. They devise escape routes through perilous, Nazi-occupied territory, relying on Rösli's fierce determination and Anne-Marie's knowledge of secret mountain paths. Ella and Hanni embark on a treacherous journey that could change their lives forever, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future amidst overwhelming adversity.
