This book reveals how the outbreak of WW2 affects the Smiths, a nomal Edinburgh family. To avoid any German bombing, when their father is called into the army the family abandons the city to stay for six years in the depths of Dumfriesshire. This proves hugely challenging. They have to live in a condemned cottage without any modern conveniences, and adapt to country life in wartime. Poverty, rationing, serious health problems, and family separation are further pressures, but they face up to the upheaval and enthusiastically enjoy their new life in rural surroundings.