Two boys caught on the wrong side of a frontier following the end of a bitterly fought war between two formerly friendly nations. They resolve to undertake a journey that leads them to experience in company with two companions the highs and lows of human endeavour meeting a variety of colourful characters in a wide range of circumstances. Having become separated from their fathers during the conflict, what drives them ever onwards despite many setbacks is the hope that by returning to their own country they can be reunited. They come to understand that despite all the suffering of war the indomitable spirit of the common man will prevail. A frequent theme as they progress from one incident and locality to another, with several surprises along the way, is the need to rebuild and to start again, and the boys gain renewed strength from those who offer them assistance.