Author Richard S. Hollander discovered letters from his family, written from Poland, between 1939 and 1942, that depict life under the most extraordinary pain and stress.

Part I. Joseph's Story: Joseph Richard S. Hollander; Part II. Cracow: The fate of the Jews of Cracow under Nazi occupation Christopher R. Browning; Through the eyes of the oppressed Nechama Tec; Part III. The Letters: 1. Letters without reply: November 1939-May 1940; 2. Separation anxiety: May-August 1940; 3. Exit strategy: September-December 1940; 4. Familial love, penned: January-December 1941; Index.