![](https://english.cnpubg.com/upload/book/20240529/c29dd9e79ab893636cc3f89e75b5daff.jpg)
This is a tale of love and protection, friendship and growth, woven with themes of morality and humanity. Setting against the tumultuous backdrop of Harbin in 1945, it follows four children from diverse backgrounds – Ma Shu, a Chinese boy, Vika and Vera, Russian siblings, and Ruta, a Jewish boy. Their story intertwines with a cast of unforgettable characters, including a Chinese father, a struggling Jewish musician, and a Japanese officer, painting a vivid picture of the city's pre- and post-liberation realities. Though initially strangers, these children forged a bond, with their friendship blossoming amidst the war's shadow. They learned compassion, friendship, and gratitude, reminding readers of the preciousness of humanity even in the darkness of times.