As you can imagine with all non-fictional (or fictional I suppose) accounts of the Nazi occupation in Poland, this story was a hard read, although somewhat tempered by being primarily directed at young adults. This is the story of Stefan K., a Polish man whose teenage years lasted during the Nazi invasion of Poland into the beginning of the Russian invasion. Although the story covers a lot more ground than just the relationship between Stefen and his Austrian Nazi lover, Willie, it is the relationship between these two young man that shaped Stefen's future that gave the story its heart.

I don't really study history and have never really had an interest but, I think it is necessary that these stories be told so history doesn't repeat itself in the present day. I always find it so hard to believe that people are capable of such great cruelty to each other.

The only part of the story that I was somewhat disappointed in is that Stefan, who really has had no personal resolution in his life, didn't really share what had happened with his family and his friend, Jaap. I feel as though he must have had some connection with them all after the war. Overall I was very impressed with the translation of the story and despite how truly horrifying it was, I am glad to have read it.

Stefen's descriptions of what occurred after his arrest for homosexuality are harrowing and I would suggest this story for older teens and up. ( )