The author was born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. When she was seven years old, World War II broke out, and the Germans took over and occupied the islands for five years. She grew...view moreThe author was born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. When she was seven years old, World War II broke out, and the Germans took over and occupied the islands for five years. She grew up with her mother and two siblings there, separated from her father who was serving in the Merchant Navy.view less