During World War II, in the charming medieval city of Arnhem in Holland, Kees, a sensitive young man, finds comfort in his beautiful ancient home – a fortress with thick walls and private fields – an enchanting sanctuary where he brings magical creatures to life through his intricate bone carvings. However, it’s 1941, and the whimsical world he creates is shattered when he is tricked into enlisting in the SS, embarking on a harrowing journey to Russia. As the tension tightens, the family becomes a haven of both love and uncertainty, where the delicate balance between the supernatural and survival sparks a riveting tale of resilience and sacrifice. Will Kees’s artistic spirit endure the brutality of war, or will it lead to an unforeseen and shocking destiny?

A historical novel about a loving family’s dilemmas during the Nazi occupation.