God Laughs

A frightened boy runs away from Polish army conscription. His adventures on the road, at sea, in a Limehouse grog shop, capture by and escape from pirates, and a visit to America as the Revolution begins, are told in fast-moving sequence. Village life, terrifying pogroms, the love of family and animals, hatred of tyranny, and fear for his existence shape the boy, and forge him into a strong, handsome, resourceful man who learns to face the world with courage and self-reliance.