The tides of the Second World War wash away the normal lives of young Michael's family. Jack, the father, goes to war in the harsh conditions of the North African desert campaign, where things go badly wrong. Back at home, his wife and young son experience the material shortages of wartime, along with bombing raids and consequent extreme danger and disruption to their lives. While Jack strives to survive the hell of prison camps, Michael, Kathleen and their adopted dog Rags, are driven to leave their home and move to the countryside where they develop new lives and a degree of contentment. They cannot escape completely, however, and find that the war still impacts on their new lives but in different ways. As the conflict moves into its final stages, Michael's determination to do the right thing puts his life in danger: an exciting climax to this fascinating tale.
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