In the midst of World War II, a young British boy named Jim Graham lives a privileged life in Shanghai with his wealthy family. His world is shattered when the Japanese invade and occupy the city. As chaos erupts, Jim is separated from his parents, forcing him to navigate the war-torn streets on his own. Struggling to survive, he eventually crosses paths with Basie, a resourceful American hustler, and Frank, Basie's cunning associate. Together, they navigate the perils of occupied Shanghai, with Jim finding himself adapting to a life of survival and resourcefulness far removed from his former sheltered existence.

As Jim's journey continues, he experiences the harsh realities of war and the loss of innocence. He is interned in a Japanese prison camp where his will and ingenuity are tested. Amid the challenges, Jim forges unlikely friendships and discovers a resilience he never knew he possessed. The camp becomes a microcosm of the wider conflict, with Jim trying to understand and adapt to his new world while holding onto hope for reuniting with his family. The story unfolds against the backdrop of escalating war, depicting Jim's transformation from a naive boy to a resourceful survivor.