Imagine that you are a 12-year-old girl who must dress and live as a boy to stay safe from enemy invaders. This is what happened to Rita la Fontaine when she was living in Indonesia during World War II. When Japan invaded, in February 1942, she spent three-and-a-half years as a boy and as a prisoner of war --- until the war ended.

Rita's family consisted of her father, mother, Aunt Suus, and her two small brothers, Ronald and Rene. The family priest suggested that Rita become Rick to save her from the common practice of Japanese soldiers forcing females to serve as their "comfort women."

One day, a Japanese soldier named Captain Matoba arrived at the la Fontaine home. He announced that the family must pack for a "short" stay away from home. Rita, dressed as Rick, and the rest of her family (except her father) were sent to live with the other women and children at the local school. Rita's father was sent to live with all the other men at the jail.

Life in the prisoner-of-war camp became routine. Matoba was the women's prison guard, but he also provided the women with "luxuries," including a cooking stove and the ingredients for cookies. Rita found textbooks and studied. During the day, the women did chores; at night, they talked, sang and played cards. They made the best of life in a prison war camp, but it was not all fun, by far. The ladies yearned for their husbands and fathers, and were disgusted to find a dead rat in the soup provided for them.

One was nearly raped by a native Indonesian guard. Matoba was protective of the women and furious at the individual, who soon vanished. Not long afterward, a man was executed in front of them, including Rita and her brothers. His corpse was not removed until the next day "as a reminder that the Japanese are in command."

One of the book's many strengths is the way in which the author paints both prisoners and their captors in shades of gray; neither comes off as all good or all evil. Rita played her accordion at Japanese soldiers' parties. She was amazed when some of her fellow female prisoners volunteered to attend and was disgusted at the women's actions at the party. At one of the parties, a drunk Matoba showed Rita her mother's portrait, which had been taken from their home --- and was now displayed on Matoba's wall. Yet Rita makes surprising and genuine friendships among the enemy soldiers.

Rita, as Rick, managed to improve her life and contribute to society even while circumstances changed again and again for her and her family. The manner in which they adapted is inspiring. Rita says:

"…I knew I was facing a life in which I had to fight my own battles, make my own decisions and mistakes. It was not the kind of life I looked forward to, but the challenge of making the best of it was still as strong as before. I believed determination could help me live through it and face all obstacles head-on."

This fascinating story is a page-turner.