'As the world spins out of control into World War II, Robert and his family each deal differently with the challenges it presents. Robert offers his apartment to German-Jewish refugees who have been cast out by the community, Artie intends to join up as soon as the fighting breaks out, their mother despairs that a second world war will lead only to more death in her family, and Robert's communist sweetheart Elsa answers the call of capitalism. When Robert befriends Mata, the precocious young refugee with a yen for men in uniform, it is only the beginning of his long journey; a soul-searching journey with an uncertain ending. Set in World War II Melbourne, this evocative, compelling novel draws parallels between Australia then and now [2007], and explores questions of courage, masculinity, tolerance and national identity that will resonate long after the book is read.' (Publisher's blurb)