MY SISTER AND I

This extraordinary diary of a Dutch boy refugee, in its very naivete and simplicity cuts deeper to the heart of things than many volumes of mature dissertations on the horrors of modern war. A first hand record, written as part of the diary 12-year old Dir had kept for three years, gives the hour by hour story of the five day war against little Holland, the bombing of Rotterdam, life in the crowded shelter, the coming of the parachutists, death, destruction, terror -- and a quiet courage that sustained him. Pen pictures of the people around him, particularly of the rich gay uncle who managed to get him and his pretty little sister through to England and on the boat to America. A memorable book -- of sure popularity.