Life in Communist Hungary isn't easy for thirteen-year-old Nelly. Food is scarce and so are clothes. But she has great friends and a special boy she likes, so the hardships are bearable.
When the Hungarian Revolution erupts in 1956, Nelly's world crumbles. Along with the Revolution comes a new tide of anti-Semitism. Nelly's family is Jewish, and her parents are convinced that the family must flee. Everything she cares about - her cozy room, her favourite books, and her closest friends - will have to stay behind. There's not time even to say good-bye.
Nelly's adventures during the family's harrowing escape to freedom are by turns funny and sad. Will she ever find a place to call home?