This novel is a poignant tale of evacuation, friendship, and the complexities of growing up during wartime. It follows the journey of Carrie and her younger brother, Nick, who are sent to the Welsh countryside to escape the dangers of World War II in London. In their rural refuge, they encounter a mix of characters, including the strict Mr. Evans and his kind sister, Lou, as well as other individuals who impact their lives in unexpected ways. As Carrie navigates the challenges of displacement and the mysteries surrounding her temporary home, she learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the power of memory. The story is a reflective exploration of the impact of war on children and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This novel is set during World War II and follows a group of young friends in a British town who discover a crashed German aircraft. Inside, they find a machine gun, which they take as a trophy and set up in a hidden fortress. As they gather more weapons, their fortress becomes a place of refuge and resistance. The story explores themes of friendship, the innocence of youth amidst the horrors of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate their own private war. Through their adventures, the novel delves into the impact of conflict on children and the blurred lines between play and reality in wartime.