On All Saints Day, 1954, the Algerian War of Independence from France
begins, forever changing the lives of ten-year-old Nanna, her family,
and a million-and-a-half French settlers. As Arab rebels carry out
terrorist acts against civilians, hatred and bloodshed permeate the
fabric of European and Muslim lives. A safe bus ride to town means
keeping an eye out for stray shopping baskets containing hidden bombs. A
day trip to the beach requires the protection of a military convoy. But
life goes on, and Nanna's loving mother, mischievous but good-natured
siblings, and kind grandfathers provide plenty of adventure and humor.
Nanna worships her Papa, who provides for his family and keeps them
safe, but, growing up, she begins to understand that he is also a
braggart with unyielding views of right and wrong, who believes that
attending a supervised party with boys will compromise a girl's virtue.
Nanna defies him and falls in love, thus setting the stage for an
ongoing clash of wills. As Nanna watches her beloved country torn apart
by terrorism, she grieves for the French targeted by the fellagha and
for the Arabs they slaughter because they are seen as pro-French.
Ultimately, Nanna watches in anguish as the French generals, betrayed by
De Gaulle, make a last stand for a French Algeria before laying down
their arms. In the end Nanna's family, like all the other French
settlers, must choose between the suitcase and the grave.
