The experiences of the Balicki family reflect those of many others caught up in the war, although their story admittedly ends unusually happily. The novel focuses briefly on Joseph Balicki, the father, but for the most part concentrates on the children and Jan, an orphan whom they make part of their family. Joseph Balicki is an idealistic, courageous, and resourceful man. The headmaster of a school, he is sent to prison for defying Nazi rule soon after the Germans take over Poland. His ingenuity helps him escape from the prison camp where he has been held for two years, and after making his way back to Warsaw, he hunts for his missing wife and children. During his search he encounters Jan, a ragged orphan boy. Joseph gives Jan the only trace of his home he has found, a silver paperknife shaped like a sword...