Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia... the names of these republics, in the former Yugoslavia, became depressingly familiar in the early nineties. But what was it like before the start of the civil war? What was it like growing up there? In The Man in the Nautical Hat we follow the true story of Ivan Vesligaj. Born in 1940, his first memories are of a Nazi air raid over his remote village and of British airmen given sanctuary in his home. Part of a large family, held together by his widowed mother, he is noticed by a local priest who takes him in to educate him. This leads to Ivan training as a monk and priest but then his mother makes an announcement that turns his world upside down. He faces major challenges, new experiences and adventures before coming to a life-changing decision.

Evacuated from Warsaw at the start of the Second World War, Anna is caught between Nazi air raids and the Russian invasion. After joining the Polish Resistance, she is arrested by Soviet Secret Police, interrogated and sentenced to hard labour in Siberia. Saved on occasions by her artistic ability, Anna escapes, first from the labour camp and later from a collective farm where she had become a soap-maker and received an unusual offer of marriage. Fresh dangers await her as she makes her way to Iran. She gains an insight into the hidden complexities of war and meets many fascinating characters along the way.

When a 96-year-old Polish man, Konstanty Dzier'ek, asks Joy Mawby for English lessons, little does she think that he will take her on a journey through the twentieth century. Interwoven with Konstanty's colourful memories of pre-war Russia and Poland are his own memoirs which record his adventures during and after the war. Illustrated throughout with photos from his album, his story is revealed with integrity and sincerity. Broken Warrior is the inspiring and poignant tale of a gifted man's devotion to his country and his longing to return there one day.