"In 1940, when Chiara is ten and her sister Carolina is six, their father takes the job of cook to the Italian ambassador to Japan, and the family leaves Naples for Tokyo. Papa plans to stay two or three years, but the eruption of WWII prevents their return. Japan, Germany, and Italy are members of the Axis. In 1943, when the Italians surrender to the Allies and declare war on Germany, all Italians in Japan are taken prisoners as enemy aliens. Papa and the girls are separated, and the girls embark on a dramatic journey through many trials, including the bombing of Tokyo, and of Hiroshima. Their bond, wits, courage, resilience, and the kindness and selfless sacrifice of strangers keep them alive"--Provided by publisher.