Heeding warnings, a Jewish family of 4 flees Berlin just before Hitler comes to power, first to Switzerland, then to Paris. The parents have to deal with problems of money / earning a living, which leads to the moves. With a focus on 9-year-old Anna, the children have different worries. Depending on location, it includes language, customs, and food. Packing light to appear that they are only going on vacation, Anna leaves her old favorite stuffed pink rabbit behind. Still they are the lucky relative to the fates of many who stayed. As we find out (or can assume) from letters, non-letters, and a personal visit.
The Swiss scenery is gorgeous, and Paris is a stark split between glamor and semi-destitution.The children, especially, are naturals, with her older brother Max being more of a realist. Telling the story from the viewpoint of the children gives a more sympathetic bent to the refugee story.
The Swiss scenery is gorgeous, and Paris is a stark split between glamor and semi-destitution.The children, especially, are naturals, with her older brother Max being more of a realist. Telling the story from the viewpoint of the children gives a more sympathetic bent to the refugee story.