A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of Ian Serraillier's classic wartime story.

When the Germans march into Poland in 1941, the Balickis' happy family life is shattered. With their parents taken away by Nazis, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are forced to fend for themselves in the dangerous, war-ravaged city of Warsaw.

When Edek is captured too, the girls are desperate. Then they meet orphaned street urchin Jan, who carries with him a talisman of hope: a silver sword paperknife that they recognise as having belonged to their mother.

Realising that their parents may still be alive, Ruth and Bronia set off on an epic journey to Switzerland to search for them. With Jan by their side, they are determined to reunite the familyamp;mdash;and their first step is to find Edek. But the road ahead is full of danger and hardship, and they will facemany challenges along the way...

This moving story of friendship, courage and solidarity brings to life the reality of a Europe laid waste by war.

Cast:

• Ruthamp;mdash;Sarah McDonald Hughes
• Edekamp;mdash;Stephen Hoyle
• Broniaamp;mdash;Hester Cox
• Janamp;mdash;Aqib Khan
• Margaret/Irka/Mrs Wolffamp;mdash;Maggie Fox
• Joseph/German 1/Mr Wolffamp;mdash;Malcolm Raeburn
• Ivanamp;mdash;David Fleeshman
• Soldier/American GIamp;mdash;Andrew Blake
• Doctoramp;mdash;Lloyd Peters
• Cook/Mrs Borowiczamp;mdash;Szilvi Naray Davey
• The Burgomaster/Captain Malinowskiamp;mdash;Jonathan Keeble

Adapted by Chris Wallis.

Produced and directed by Charlotte Riches.