Book excerpt: Alex Strong was only 11 years old, living with his family on their rubber tree plantation on Basilan island, Philippines, when World War II broke out. This fascinating book details his and his future wife Norma's family's journey through the dark days of war to a brighter future that they themselves created. After the days of occupation, starvation and deprivation, the incredible story of how two families caught in the turmoil of war discovered their will to live, to resist the invaders and ultimately, win their freedom.