The story follows the journey of a young man named Meyer, who finds himself caught in the turmoil of World War II. As a Jew living in Poland, he faces persecution and discrimination from the Nazi regime. Meyer's life takes an unexpected turn when he is chosen by lottery to escape the clutches of the Germans. After reconnecting with his mother and sister, he travels through Europe, constantly on the move and always looking over his shoulder. He faces danger at every turn, forcing his faith to be called into question as he evades the German forces and their collaborators. Meyer finds moments of kindness and hope despite the constant threat to his life.

Eventually, Meyer finds himself in Kobe, Japan, where he hopes to start a new life. However, his plans are disrupted when he is made to flee again, this time to Shanghai. Here, he is forced to live in the Shanghai ghetto, surrounded by poverty, disease, and despair. Despite the dire conditions, Meyer remains resilient and determined to survive. As the war comes to an end, Meyer is finally able to leave the ghetto and start anew. He reflects on his journey, his many challenges, and the resilience and hope that kept him going. Meyer's story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope, even in the darkest times.