In August 1941 Otto and Lenka Friedmann, my parents, stepped out of their apartment in Zagreb, Croatia, and never returned. During the next 15 years they first evaded the Nazi death machine by escaping into the mountains of Croatia and then with the aid of Partisan militia they found temporary sanctuary in Italy. With the aid of refugee organizations American Joint Distribution Committee, AJDC, and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS, as well as countless individuals who helped them along the way, they finally began a new life in their adoptive country, America. Set as a novel, this is a story of heroism, perseverance, and of people helping those in need.