The Barefoot

Based on interviews with 18 classmates, the author paints a picture of youth in the city of St. Gallen during World War II, when Allied bombers were devastating German cities across Lake Constance at night. Protected yet burdened by a dull sense of threat and an uncertain future, these boys experienced both highs and lows, enjoying many good moments despite food shortages and material need. While most fathers served in active duty for extended periods, their children roamed the city barefoot during the summer months, attended school without shoes, and felt at ease. This multifaceted account comes from a time that is only fifty years past yet feels foreign. It also contributes to a better understanding of that period, which has sparked such passionate discussions in hindsight.