It is 1942 and young Joey Smith is a new evacuee from Sydney. He has come to the small country town his mothr grew up in because of the Japanese threat to Sydney. As he is exploring he becomes trapped in an old mineshaft. No-one knows where he is and Joey is afraid that he might die. Much to his amazement he is rescued by a Japanese soldier living in the hills behind the town. Of course no-one will believe him.
This story is a day to day account of life in a country town at this particular time. There are the fears, in 1942 many people are very afraid of an immanent Japanese invasion of Australia, the rationing of almost everything, the amazing dedication of women and children "doing their bit" for the war effort" by raising money for the war effort or making camouflage nets. It tells the stories of people living through this time, the story of the telegraph boy who must deliver the telegrams that no-one wants and the story of Miss Tidcombe who believes the invasion has started because her cats are disappearing. The tragedy of the war comes closer to his family and friends and, as Joey begins to help the soldier, he also begins to conducts an inner ethical debate with himself. What should he do about this enemy who saved his life? Joey learns many things about friends and friendship. ( )