A story about World War II told from a German family's perspective. Dieter, 13, is impressionable and eager to emulate his older brother, whose arrogant bigotry shines through as a new member of the SS. Their parents are presented as a voice of reason and clandestine opposition to Hitler's movement and demonstrate concern and disgust for what they feel will ruin their country. When they are killed in a Russian raid, Dieter and his younger sister begin to walk in the direction of the Canadian army where they hope to surrender and become refugees. Dieter tells his story to a wounded Canadian soldier who is waiting for his unit to rescue him ....