'An exceptional book about extraordinary people living in extraordinary times. My only regret on completing it is that I have not met any of them personally.' —Christopher Bantick

A biography of Lonek Lew, the author's father, told through the lives of over twenty people he was friendly or associated with, a number of whom were historical figures.

Using his father's clear and detailed accounts of his life in pre-war Poland, the Holocaust and his colourful life in Melbourne, as well as personal meetings and memories, the author assembles portraits of extraordinary people living through extraordinary events.