The center of Trudi Montag's world is the library her widowed, devoted father runs in the small German village of Burgdorf. Trudi's dwarfism had pushed her emotionally fragile mother over the edge, to insanity and finally death. This novel follows Trudi's life and coming of age in Germany before, during, and after World War II. These were dangerous times for a dwarf, Jews, or anyone else flagged by the acting regime. Trudi's wishes are the same as any young girl's -- to be pretty, accepted, loved, and secure. Of course, her father loves her unconditionally, but she also longs for romantic relationship. She resents her appearance and learns how to use it to her advantage, sometimes hurting others in the process, other times forming special bonds. Herself the victim of prejudice and bullying, Trudi bonds with her Jewish neighbors, even helping hide some of them, and with other villagers who don't quite "fit the mold" either. Trudi ultimately learns a most valuable lesson....that we all come into the world with differences that don't just set us apart from  others, but brings us closer to them....if we allow it.