This book about growing up as a Holocaust survivor is by turns touching, sad, and bleakly funny. In particular, the description of Lilian's brief sojourn as a German-Jewish refugee in wartime England creates a lingering sadness; as the book continues, sorrow turns to admiration for this woman's stalwart spirit, and finally to a sense of gladness at her refusal to be cast down. There is also the ultimate triumph of the unwanted and uprooted child growing up to see herself as a world citizen who belongs everywhere she wants to be. Lilian Barber is a friend of mine and I can tell you her writing style is as forthright, direct, and drily humorous as she is in her own living room. Sit down and enjoy the visit!