Chapter 27 Summary

The fact that family members have different blood types is news to H. He also does not know that the compatibility of blood is critical in blood transfusions and can be the difference between life and death. Articles advising people to know their blood types in case of injury during air raids are common topics of conversation. The thought that a person, who would otherwise survive, could be killed by a blood transfusion is unimaginable to H.

Italy's surrender is announced at the school morning assembly in September. A few days later it is reported that Mussolini, who was taken into custody by the Badoglio faction, has been rescued by a German helicopter unit. H begins to wonder how Italy's surrender will affect the Italians living in Kobe. The answer comes a week later when Italians in the area are rounded up and...