The title suggests a gritty dark story, but it is surprisingly upbeat without much violence. Poland was the epicenter of the Holocaust, perhaps the worst place to be in WWII, but the book has no scenes from the Holocaust. Indeed the war itself barely exists directly except for one scene where he is caught in the cross-fire of a firefight. The tension mostly hangs on Kuper hiding his true identity as he takes up odd jobs in various homes. Kuper's inner struggles with being an outcast and desire to be Christian are well done, contrasted later as he re-enters Jewish community and once again readjusts his identity.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kuper himself (as an older man) and his sweet nature and kindness enhance the text. It gives a good sense of rural Polish peasant life. Life was simple yet terribly complex. The antisemitism he encounters is to be expected but at the same time many people risked their lives to help, Poland was a tapestry of loyalties, kindness and cruelty. ( )

Jewish orphan of the Holocaust surviving alone and wandering at 8 y.o.

I have read many books about the Holocaust, but this is oustanding and especially memorable. Jack survived the war alone, by his wits, after his family was murdered. ( )