Anna Lania

Anna Lania is a seven-year-old girl living in Poland with her father during World War II. She is a precocious child who can speak many languages. Among the languages she speaks are Polish, German, Yiddish, and French. While she does not understand the war going on around her, she has a presences of mind to find help.

She does not immediately accept that her father is not returning. She trusts Herr Doktor Fuchsmann to care for her, but his rejection of her leaves her on her own. She does not know why he has done so, but she tries to get along. After getting locked out of the apartment and the neighbor woman not offering any assistance, she strikes out on her own.

She befriends the Swallow Man and decides to follow him after discovering the languages he speaks. She trusts him, and adapts to his way...