Set against the poignant and often untold backdrop of a real-life World War II event, this novel unfolds through the diary entries of Lily Tregenze, a twelve-year-old girl living a quiet life in the picturesque seaside village of Slapton, Devon. Her world is turned upside down in 1943 when the entire community, including Lily’s family, is abruptly evacuated from their homes to allow American forces to conduct a top-secret and massive rehearsal for the D-Day landings, known historically as Exercise Tiger. This forced displacement leaves the village empty, transforming it into a dangerous military zone with live ammunition exercises. Lily’s main focus, however, is not the war, but her beloved cat, Adolphus Tips. When Tips runs away and returns to the now-forbidden village, Lily’s distress prompts her to undertake a perilous and unauthorized journey back into the danger zone to find him. Her adventure leads her to an unexpected friendship with one of the kind-hearted American G.I.s who is training in the area. The narrative skillfully combines the historical drama of a forgotten wartime tragedy, a secret rehearsal that cost hundreds of lives, with the deeply personal story of loss, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. The story is framed by an adult Lily looking back on these pivotal wartime memories, reflecting on how global events impact the smallest, most personal lives, demonstrating Morpurgo’s mastery in blending historical fiction with heartfelt human (and animal) connection.
