As the end of the Second World War develops for Japan, a Japanese family that lives in northern Korea becomes embroiled in their deadly struggles with Korean Communists, Korean rape gangs and the harsh approaching winter. Yoko Kawashima is the youngest child and narrator of the story. At only eleven years of age, she must accompany Mother and her older sister, Ko, as they move southward toward Seoul, the port town of Pusan, and eventually back to Japan. Rushed out of their home, they must flee without waiting for Hideyo, the eldest child, and Father, who works in Manchuria.

Mother and the two sisters first attempt escape on a medical train. Korean Communists stop and search the train for Japanese people, whom they shoot on sight. A nurse and medic help the family to avoid detection. Later on, planes bomb the train and disable it, forcing...