Set amongst a backdrop of WW2, this is a story of growing up during a time of world upheaval. Alongside a story of domestic conflict threatens the stability of family life. there is also a mysterious illness which cannot be cured.

The story begins almost ninety years ago, giving an account of a world that will soon be gone. Germany is about to invade Europe and the UK will be next on its list. Life rapidly becomes a time of rationing, blackouts, bombing and fatherless families. At home a dark secret makes itself known which will cast a long shadow over the writer's childhood.. Peace is declared in 1945, but the domestic warfare smoulders on until it bursts into flame, ending in a death.

Now aged 89, the writer, a Jungian Analyst, revisits her childhood and tries to make sense of it all. Finally, making her peace with her past she finds that she has been "surprised by joy".