Jurek Becker

Trapped in a Polish ghetto with thousands of other Jews facing starvation or deportation to the death camps, Jacob is detained one evening at the local Gestapo headquarters. Eavesdropping, he overhears a radio report about a nearby Russian victory. At first he is silent, but circumstances compel him to pass on the good news of hope. A simple, somewhat dour man, the stubble-bearded Jacob suddenly becomes a hero as old friends and neighbors flock to...