A thirsty little sponge absorbs the vibrant life of a completely ordinary provincial town in the Harz region: the nature, the illustrious company, the educational offerings from both lackluster and inspiring teachers. With enthusiasm, Sarah Kirsch reflects on her childhood and youth. The curious child discovers the wonders in her grandfather's rectory, complete with hustle and bustle and shelves full of books. After the war, the little adventurer embarks on a journey of discovery in her paradise of rubble. She finds joy not only in singing in the school choir but even in collecting the potato beetles supposedly dropped by the Americans and hoarding provisions and coal. Sarah Kirsch has written a charming portrayal of her childhood, first published in 2006. While doing so, she does not shy away from the harsh realities of a time filled with violence and upheaval, including air raids and the aftermath.