Fort Breendonk was built in the early 1900s to protect Antwerp, Belgium, from possible German invasion. Damaged at the start of World War I, it fell into disrepair . . . until the Nazis took it over after their invasion of Belgium in 1940.
But Vesuvius was an active volcano, and within twenty-four hours of its eruption, the city was destroyed. Hundreds of years later, archaeologists unearthed what was buried under the rubble. The most unexpected and extraordinary discovery? The imprints of Pompeiians, their deaths captured as if by photographic images in volcanic ash.
Julian Drew navigates a difficult life with his abusive stepfamily while seeking solace in writing. After purchasing a green spiral notebook, he struggles with his pen and ultimately creates a secret code to document his experiences. This gripping narrative explores themes of survival and recovery, drawing readers into Julian's poignant journey from the very first page.