Pages 12-34 Summary and Analysis

The story begin in "The City of My Dreams" in the town of Somorja in the summer of 1943 when Elli, twelve, longs for the exciting life led by her older brother, Bubi. Elli spends her days in the typical pursuits of young girls of her age. Her friend Bonnie and she sometimes go to the Danube to swim, as do many others in the area. The river also serves as a place for watering herds of animals, such as sheep.

Elli's mother, Laura, is not demonstrative with hugs and cuddles and Elli believes it to be because Elli herself is not pretty and because Bubi is Laura's favorite. Elli is ambitious in her studies, making her Bubi's equal in terms of grades, though Bubi attains his without putting forth the effort to study. Elli's father says that ambition is...