Where are Roberto and Samuele taken after being captured, and what are the conditions like?

After their capture, Roberto and Samuele are transported to a brutal German work camp. The conditions there are horrific, characterized by extreme food scarcity, relentless labor, and pervasive violence, which constantly threatens the boys' survival and their spirit.

What promise do Roberto and Samuele make to each other in the camp?

Upon arriving at the work camp, Roberto and Samuele make a solemn vow to each other: they promise to stay together no matter what hardships or dangers they face. This commitment becomes a central theme, driving their actions and providing a source of strength amidst the camp's brutality.

What is Samuele's dangerous secret, and what are its potential consequences?

Samuele harbors a dangerous secret: he is Jewish. If this information were discovered by the German soldiers or camp authorities, it would undoubtedly lead to his immediate execution, and potentially endanger Roberto as well due to their close association.

How does Roberto's perception of Samuele change throughout their ordeal?

Roberto initially sees Samuele as his best friend, but as they endure the camp, he begins to understand Samuele's hidden struggles and the immense weight of his secret. This deepens Roberto's respect and love for Samuele, transforming their bond into something more profound than simple friendship.

Are there any specific instances or symbols that hint at Samuele's secret before its full reveal?

While the book doesn't explicitly lay out obvious 'hints' for a young reader, Samuele's quietness, his occasional reticence to participate in certain activities, and his unique way of looking at the world might subtly foreshadow his difference, which is later revealed to be his Jewish identity.

How do the boys cope with the constant hunger and physical demands of the work camp?

Roberto and Samuele primarily cope by relying on each other, sharing what little food they find, and offering mutual support. They also develop small strategies for survival, such as conserving energy and finding brief moments of distraction, though the hunger remains a constant, gnawing presence.

What role does hope play for Roberto and Samuele in such a bleak environment?

Hope, though often fragile, is crucial for Roberto and Samuele's survival. Their hope is rooted in their promise to stay together, the dream of returning home, and the belief that the war will eventually end. It provides a flicker of light in their otherwise dark existence, motivating them to endure.

How does Samuele's secret impact his interactions with other prisoners and guards?

Samuele's secret forces him to maintain a constant facade, making him withdrawn and cautious in his interactions. He avoids drawing attention to himself and is always on guard, which affects his ability to form deeper connections with other prisoners, and makes his encounters with guards terrifyingly high-stakes.

Is there a moment of betrayal or a test of their friendship within the camp?

While there isn't a direct betrayal, their friendship is constantly tested by the extreme conditions, the pressure of Samuele's secret, and the desperate struggle for survival. There are moments where their individual needs conflict, but their vow to stay together ultimately guides their choices.

What is the significance of the title 'Stones in Water' in relation to the boys' experiences?

The title 'Stones in Water' likely symbolizes the boys' resilience and endurance. Like stones, they are subjected to immense pressure and the constant flow of harsh circumstances, yet they remain, slowly being shaped but not broken. It could also refer to the quiet, unyielding strength required to survive such an ordeal.

How does the author use sensory details to convey the horrors of the work camp?

The author vividly uses sensory details to immerse the reader in the camp's horrors, describing the pervasive stench, the gnawing hunger, the freezing cold, the sounds of suffering, and the visual starkness of the environment. These details make the brutal reality of their existence palpable and immediate.

Does the novel explore the concept of identity, especially through Samuele's character?

Yes, the novel deeply explores identity, particularly through Samuele. His hidden Jewish identity forces him to live a double life, constantly aware of the danger of discovery. This struggle highlights how external circumstances can force individuals to conceal or redefine fundamental aspects of who they are.

What is the 'triumphant' aspect of this 'tragic' novel, as described in the synopsis?

The 'triumphant' aspect of the novel lies not necessarily in a grand victory, but in the boys' enduring spirit, their unwavering loyalty to each other, and their sheer will to survive against unimaginable odds. Their ability to maintain their humanity and bond despite the brutality represents a profound triumph.

How does the setting of wartime Italy and Germany influence the narrative?

The setting of wartime Italy and Germany is crucial, as it provides the historical context for the German raids, the existence of forced labor camps, and the persecution of Jewish people. This historical backdrop grounds the personal story of Roberto and Samuele in the larger, devastating events of World War II.

Are there any minor characters who significantly impact Roberto and Samuele's journey?

While the focus is heavily on Roberto and Samuele, there are often other prisoners or even sympathetic, albeit rare, individuals who offer small acts of kindness or advice. These minor characters, even if unnamed, can provide brief moments of relief or crucial information that subtly influence the boys' decisions and survival.

How does Roberto's perspective on the war evolve from his innocent village life to his experiences in the camp?

Roberto's perspective shifts dramatically from an innocent, perhaps naive, understanding of the distant war in his village to a harsh, personal, and brutal reality in the camp. He moves from being an observer to a direct victim, gaining a profound and traumatic understanding of war's true cost and impact on individuals.

What message about friendship and loyalty does 'Stones in Water' convey?

The novel conveys a powerful message about the profound strength and necessity of friendship and loyalty, especially in times of extreme adversity. Roberto and Samuele's unwavering bond demonstrates that human connection can be a vital lifeline, offering comfort, motivation, and a reason to persevere even when everything else is lost.

Archivist's Choice

Stones in Water

Name: Stones in Water
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.84 (2370 reviews)
ISBN: 9780141306001

Donna Jo Napoli (1997)

Genre

Children's / Historical Fiction / Young Adult

Reading Time

250 min

Key Themes

See below

Track Your Reading

When German soldiers raid a movie theater and conscript him into a brutal work camp, a young Italian boy must fight for survival and protect his best friend's dangerous secret amidst the horrors of war.

Synopsis

Roberto, a young Italian boy, is captured by German soldiers during a cinema raid and taken to a brutal labor camp. Separated from his family, he endures the camp alongside his best friend, Samuele. Samuele has a dangerous secret that could jeopardize both their lives. As they endure starvation, forced labor, and constant fear, the boys hold onto their bond and a desperate hope for escape. After several harrowing attempts and sacrifices, Roberto finds a path to freedom, but not without further loss. He eventually meets Allied forces, begins to heal, and starts his journey home, changed by the atrocities he witnessed and the strength he found within himself.

Reading time

250 min

Difficulty

Medium

Pacing

Moderate

Mood

Somber, Hopeful, Resilient, Historical

✓ Read this if...

You want a poignant, character-driven historical fiction story about survival and friendship during WWII, suitable for young adult readers.

✗ Skip this if...

You prefer lighthearted stories or are sensitive to detailed depictions of war's harsh realities and loss.

Plot Summary

The Raid at the Cinema

Roberto, a twelve-year-old boy from a small Italian village, sneaks out with his best friend Samuele to watch a movie at the local cinema, a rare treat. His younger sister, Assunta, tries to stop him, but he ignores her. As the film plays, German soldiers suddenly storm the theater. Panic erupts as the soldiers gather all the boys and young men, including Roberto and Samuele, forcing them into the street. They are roughly herded onto waiting trucks, their protests and the cries of their families unheard. Roberto clutches a small stone, a gift from Assunta, as they are driven away, ending his childhood freedom.

The Journey East

Packed into a dark, suffocating cattle car with dozens of other abducted boys, Roberto and Samuele begin a difficult journey. The train travels for days, stopping only occasionally. Food and water are scarce, and the boys suffer from hunger, thirst, and fear. Roberto, at first overwhelmed, finds some comfort in Samuele's presence, though Samuele seems more withdrawn. The older boys try to maintain order and share what little they have. During a brief stop, Roberto sees the casual brutality of the guards, confirming his understanding of their terrible situation. The destination remains unknown, adding to their terror and uncertainty.

Arrival at the Labor Camp

The train finally stops in a desolate, snow-covered area. Roberto and Samuele, along with the other boys, are unloaded into what is clearly a German labor camp in Ukraine. They are immediately subjected to roll calls, harsh commands, and the constant threat of violence from the guards. The camp is bleak, with crude barracks and various workshops. The boys are stripped of their civilian clothes and given rough uniforms. Roberto quickly learns the camp's strict rules and the constant struggle for survival. He and Samuele are assigned to a barracks, where they meet other boys from various countries, all sharing the same grim fate.

Samuele's Secret and Survival

As they settle into the harsh routine of the camp, Roberto notices Samuele's unusual behavior. Samuele avoids eye contact with certain guards and seems to be hiding something. One night, Roberto overhears Samuele speaking in a language he doesn't understand and realizes Samuele is Jewish. This is a shocking and terrifying discovery, as Jews face even harsher persecution and certain death if discovered in a German camp. Roberto vows to protect his friend, understanding the immense danger they are both in. They learn to navigate the starvation, cold, and relentless work, finding small ways to help each other survive, like sharing meager rations and looking out for each other during work details.

Work in the Workshops

The boys are assigned to different workshops within the camp. Roberto works in a metalsmithing shop, learning to forge and repair tools under the supervision of a gruff but occasionally sympathetic German foreman named Herr Schmidt. Samuele, due to his smaller size and quick hands, works in a textile workshop, mending uniforms. This separation is agonizing for both boys, as their vow to stay together is challenged. Despite the physical distance, they find brief moments to see each other during meals or roll calls, exchanging whispered words of encouragement and reassurance, always aware of the watchful eyes of the guards and the constant threat of discovery.

The Escape Plan

As weeks turn into months, the conditions in the camp worsen, and hope fades. Roberto, Samuele, and a few other boys—especially an older, determined boy named Enzo—begin to secretly plan an escape. They share information gathered from their workshops, looking for weaknesses in the camp's security. Roberto, through his work, learns some of the camp's layout and patrol routes. Samuele, with his quiet observations, notices patterns in the guards' shifts. The plan is risky and dangerous, but the desire for freedom, especially for Samuele, outweighs the fear of punishment.

The First Attempt and Its Consequences

The boys put their escape plan into action one cold night, attempting to slip past the wire fences during a changing of the guard. However, their timing is off, or perhaps they were betrayed. Shots ring out, and chaos erupts. Several boys are caught, and some are killed. Roberto and Samuele, though terrified, manage to avoid immediate capture and hide. The failed attempt is a devastating blow, causing immense grief and increasing the guards' vigilance. The remaining boys are punished severely, and the dream of freedom seems more distant than ever. This event strengthens Roberto's resolve, but also makes him more cautious.

Samuele's Desperation and Sacrifice

After the failed escape, Samuele's health quickly worsens due to starvation and the constant fear of his Jewish identity being discovered. He becomes increasingly withdrawn and frail. One evening, during a particularly brutal roll call where a guard eyes Samuele suspiciously, Samuele makes a quick decision. To divert attention from himself and prevent exposure, he deliberately causes a disturbance, drawing the guard's anger. This act of defiance results in a severe beating. While it saves him from immediate scrutiny regarding his heritage, it further weakens him, showing his selfless desire to protect Roberto and himself from the ultimate discovery.

The Second Escape and Journey to Freedom

Seeing Samuele's declining health and the increasing danger, Roberto knows they cannot wait. With the help of a sympathetic, though cautious, Herr Schmidt, who provides a small map and some provisions, Roberto and Samuele attempt another escape. They manage to slip away during a chaotic shift change, navigating through the snow-covered wilderness. The journey is arduous; they face extreme cold, hunger, and the constant threat of being recaptured. Samuele's strength fades, but Roberto, driven by their vow and his love for his friend, carries him when necessary, pushing them forward towards the distant hope of Allied lines and freedom.

The Final Obstacle and Loss

As Roberto and Samuele draw closer to what they believe are Allied lines, Samuele's condition becomes critical. He develops a high fever and can no longer walk. Roberto tries everything to help him, sharing his last scraps of food and water, but it's not enough. In a heart-wrenching moment, Samuele dies in Roberto's arms, whispering words of gratitude and love. Roberto is devastated, his world shattered. He buries Samuele with the small stone his sister gave him, a symbol of their friendship and a promise of remembrance. Alone, grief-stricken but resolute, Roberto continues his journey, carrying the weight of his friend's memory.

Encountering the Allies and Healing

After days of wandering alone, exhausted and near collapse, Roberto is discovered by a patrol of Allied soldiers. They are initially wary but quickly recognize his plight. He is taken to a field hospital, where he receives medical attention, food, and warmth. Though physically safe, Roberto is deeply traumatized by his experiences and the loss of Samuele. He struggles to speak and process the horrors he has witnessed. The kind care of the medical staff and soldiers slowly begins to break down his emotional walls, offering a glimmer of hope for healing and a return to a semblance of normal life, though he knows he will never be the same.

The Return Home

After a period of recovery and identification, Roberto is eventually sent back to Italy. The journey home is filled with mixed emotions—anticipation, fear, and deep sadness. He arrives back in his village, a place that seems both familiar and utterly alien after his experiences. His family, who had long given him up for dead, greets him with overwhelming joy and relief. However, Roberto carries the invisible scars of the war and the memory of Samuele. He is no longer the innocent boy who snuck off to the cinema, but a survivor, forever marked by the stones in water that represent the lives lost and the strength found in the darkest of times. He shares Samuele's story, ensuring his friend is remembered.

Principal Figures

Roberto

The Protagonist

Roberto evolves from an innocent, carefree boy into a traumatized but resilient survivor who carries the weight of his experiences and the memory of his lost friend.

Samuele

The Supporting/Deuteragonist

Samuele begins as a secretive friend, then becomes a symbol of the war's hidden victims, ultimately making a profound sacrifice.

Assunta

The Supporting/Mentioned

Remains a static symbol of home and the life Roberto lost.

Herr Schmidt

The Supporting

Evolves from a stern foreman to a quiet, reluctant helper.

Enzo

The Supporting

Serves as a catalyst for resistance and hope, demonstrating the spirit of defiance.

The German Soldiers/Guards

The Antagonist

Remain a static, oppressive force throughout the narrative.

Themes & Insights

Loss of Innocence

The novel powerfully shows the sudden and brutal loss of innocence experienced by children during wartime. Roberto's journey begins with a simple, childlike act of sneaking out to a movie, and within hours, he is thrown into a world of unimaginable horror. The labor camp strips him of his childhood, forcing him to witness death, starvation, and cruelty. His change from a carefree boy to a hardened survivor, haunted by the memory of Samuele, shows how war robs children of their youth and leaves lasting scars. This is clear in the contrast between his initial eagerness for the movie and his later struggle to process his trauma upon returning home.

“He was no longer the boy who had snuck out to the cinema. The stones in the water had changed him forever.”

Friendship and Loyalty

The unbreakable bond between Roberto and Samuele is the emotional core of the novel. Their vow to stay together, made early in their captivity, is a strong motivator for both boys. Roberto's firm commitment to protecting Samuele, even after discovering his friend's dangerous secret, highlights the depth of his loyalty. Samuele's desperate actions to divert attention from his Jewish identity, ultimately leading to his death, also show a deep, selfless love for his friend. Their friendship provides comfort, strength, and a reason to fight for survival in the face of overwhelming despair, proving that human connection can last even in the most inhumane conditions.

“We'll stay together, no matter what. That's a promise.”

Survival and Resilience

The narrative shows the human spirit's capacity for survival and strength in the face of extreme difficulty. Roberto, Samuele, and the other boys endure starvation, brutal labor, freezing temperatures, and constant fear. They adapt to the harsh realities of the camp, learning to find food, navigate dangers, and maintain a sliver of hope. Roberto's repeated attempts to escape, his physical endurance, and his emotional strength after Samuele's death exemplify this theme. The story emphasizes that survival is not just about physical endurance but also about keeping one's spirit and finding reasons to live, even when everything seems lost.

“Even in the darkest places, a small flicker of hope could keep a person alive.”

The Dehumanizing Effects of War

The novel clearly portrays how war treats both its victims and its perpetrators as less than human. The German soldiers treat the boys as mere labor units, stripping them of their names, identities, and basic human dignity. The camp environment itself is designed to break spirits and reduce individuals to their most basic survival instincts. This dehumanization is further highlighted by the casual brutality and indifference displayed by many guards. However, the story also subtly suggests that even within this system, individual humanity can persist, as seen in the ambiguous character of Herr Schmidt, who offers small, reluctant acts of kindness that stand in sharp contrast to the prevailing cruelty.

“They were just numbers, just bodies, in the eyes of their captors.”

Memory and Bearing Witness

Memory is important, both as a source of comfort and pain, and as a duty. Roberto holds onto memories of his family and home, particularly the stone from Assunta, to sustain him. After Samuele's death, his memory becomes a heavy burden and a sacred trust. Roberto's survival ensures that Samuele's story, and the stories of countless others, will not be forgotten. The act of witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II, through the eyes of a child survivor, is central to the novel's purpose, stressing the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition and honor those who suffered.

“He would carry Samuele's story, like a stone in his pocket, forever.”

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Stone

A small, smooth stone given to Roberto by his sister, Assunta.

The stone is a powerful symbol of home, family, and the innocence Roberto leaves behind. Throughout his captivity, Roberto clutches the stone, finding comfort and a tangible connection to his past. It serves as a reminder of his promise to return home and the love that awaits him. After Samuele's death, Roberto buries the stone with his friend, transforming it into a symbol of their unbreakable bond and a memorial for Samuele, signifying that even in the bleakest circumstances, love and memory endure.

Samuele's Jewish Identity

A dangerous secret that elevates the stakes and highlights the specific horrors of the Holocaust.

Samuele's concealed Jewish identity is a major plot driver, introducing an intense layer of peril and urgency to the narrative. It immediately raises the stakes for both boys, as discovery would mean certain death for Samuele and severe punishment for Roberto. This secret underscores the specific, genocidal nature of the persecution faced by Jews during World War II, differentiating their plight from that of other forced laborers. It fuels Samuele's desperation and ultimately leads to his selfless sacrifice, making his character a poignant representation of the Holocaust's victims.

The Vow to Stay Together

Roberto and Samuele's shared promise to remain together, no matter what.

The vow made between Roberto and Samuele is a central motivational device. It establishes their deep bond and provides a continuous objective for both characters. This promise drives Roberto's protective instincts and encourages Samuele to endure. When they are separated by work assignments, the vow creates tension and longing. Its ultimate breaking, through Samuele's death, is the most tragic moment of the story, signifying the profound cost of war but also the enduring power of their connection, as Roberto carries on for both of them.

Herr Schmidt's Ambiguity

A German foreman who exhibits moments of humanity amidst cruelty.

Herr Schmidt serves as a nuanced plot device, preventing the German characters from being entirely monolithic villains. His intermittent acts of kindness – a word of advice, an extra ration, or ultimately, aid for the escape – introduce moral complexity and a glimmer of hope that not all individuals are irredeemably evil, even within a brutal system. This ambiguity challenges simplistic good vs. evil narratives and suggests the possibility of individual conscience. His actions are crucial to the boys' second escape attempt, making him a catalyst for their desperate bid for freedom.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Every time I think things can’t get any worse, they do.”

— Roberto's recurring thought as he faces increasingly dire situations.

“The worst part about being hungry wasn't the pain in his stomach, it was the way it made him think.”

— Roberto reflecting on the mental toll of starvation.

“He learned that in war, a person could be a hero one moment and nobody the next.”

— Roberto observing the fickle nature of recognition and life during wartime.

“The silence was the loudest thing of all.”

— Describing the oppressive quiet after a bombing or a significant loss.

“You can lose everything, but you can’t lose who you are inside.”

— An older character offering wisdom to Roberto about enduring personal identity.

“He understood then that fear wasn't just about what might happen, but about what was already happening inside him.”

— Roberto's internal realization about the nature of fear.

“Water was life, and they were surrounded by stones.”

— A metaphorical summary of their dire situation, a central theme of the book.

“Some memories were like stones, heavy and sharp, always there.”

— Roberto reflecting on the enduring and painful nature of certain memories.

“Even in the darkest places, there were tiny flickers of light, if you knew how to look.”

— A hopeful thought amidst the despair, about finding small joys or hope.

“He was learning to read not just words, but faces, and the spaces between words.”

— Roberto's developing ability to understand people and unspoken communication.

“The world was a stage, and they were all just actors, playing parts they hadn't chosen.”

— A philosophical musing on the lack of control over their circumstances.

“Every step was a choice, even if it felt like there were no choices left.”

— Roberto's internal struggle to maintain agency despite overwhelming odds.

“The hardest part of being brave was not knowing if it would make a difference.”

— Roberto's contemplation on the uncertainty and effort of courage.

“He carried the weight of the war in his bones, not just his memories.”

— Describing the deep, physical, and psychological impact of war on Roberto.

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.

Questions

Minutes

Best Score

Key Questions (FAQ)

Roberto's life is irrevocably altered when he sneaks out to see a movie in his Italian village. While inside the cinema, German soldiers raid the building, capturing all the young boys present, including Roberto and his best friend Samuele, and forcing them onto a train bound for a labor camp.

About the author

Donna Jo Napoli

Donna Jo Napoli is an award-winning author of children's and young adult fiction, known for her lyrical prose and deep exploration of complex themes. Her notable works include "Stones in Water," a historical novel exploring the lives of Jewish children during World War II, and "The Magic Circle." Napoli holds a Ph.D. in developmental psychology, which informs her sensitive and insightful storytelling.

Similar books

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise cover

Explore more FICTION books