This is a powerful and often harrowing first-hand account of the Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait. It takes the form of a journal and gives the day-to-day, almost moment-to-moment, story of bravery, resourcefulness, abandonment and isolation, of fear, anger, hope - the whole range of human emotions - following the brutal shattering of a formerly peaceful and stable life.

The text is packed with incident and the author portrays events, including death and destruction, with the keenest observation and with striking immediacy. It is an important document on one of the most extraordinary and important episodes in recent history. An enduring aspect of the story is the fierce desire to preserve normality in spite of persecution - seen in the saving of the Tareq Rajab Museum from destruction - and to start normal life again as soon as possible.

Ultimately, this is a tale of courage and resilience in the face of great trauma.