Set in the Italian countryside during World War II, this novel tells the story of Corporal Jim Corner, one of many escaped POWs who endured the winter of 1943-1944; the harshest in living memory. Despite constant threats and frequent demonstrations of German brutality against those helping Allied fugitives, he was never refused food and rarely denied shelter, albeit in a stable. Indeed oxen became his constant companions - he was beginning to smell like one. Then a chance meeting with an older middle-class schoolmistress in the early March sunshine transformed his whole existence, and hers...   or

About The Author: Born in 1917, Jack Coates was an award-winning author who served in the Royal Army during World War II. His experiences ranged from participating in the desert campaign in North Africa to surviving behind enemy lines in Italy. During his deployment, he was captured by the Germans three times, was interned in an Italian POW camp, survived a sinking torpeded ship, and had both of his arms broken during combat. He was awarded four medals for his military service. Jack passed away in November of 2009 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Ida.