This title features an introduction by Eric Lomax. Jean Paget is just twenty years old & working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins. When she is captured she joins a group of other European women & children whom the Japanese force to march for miles through the jungle
- an experience that leads to the deaths of many. Due to her courageous spirit & ability to speak Malay Jean takes on the role of leader of the sorry gaggle of prisoners & many end up owing their lives to her indomitable spirit. While on the march the group run into some Australian prisoners one of whom Joe Harman helps them steal some food & is horrifically punished by the Japanese as a result. After the war Jean tracks Joe down in Australia & together they begin to dream of surmounting the past & transforming his one-horse outback town into a thriving community like Alice Springs.