This is the gripping story of an ordinary man thrust into the tumult of war suddenly brought upon his life. Born in 1930 in Algeria, Corbelli's journey from a hardworking youth to his stay in the navy aboard the Emile Bertin is a testament to resilience and determination.

However, his greatest challenge arose not at sea, but on the onset of war when, in a cruel twist of fate. Apprehended by the French he had once proudly served, Corbelli's narrative, edited and translated by his great-grandson, traverses through the heart of conflict, from the vibrant Algerian streets to the refuge in Marseille.

His forced flight to save his family from the ravages of war paints a poignant picture of love, sacrifice, and survival against all odds. His belief that he is the architect of his destiny fuels a story of a man navigating through life's darkest moments with an unyielding spirit.

This autobiography, more than a chronicle of war, delves into the deep-seated themes of love, family, and the harsh realities of conflict. In the face of unimaginable hardships, Corbelli's journey reveals a profound truth: in the end, it is family that holds the paramount place in life's hierarchy of values.

'Realistic' in its tone, Corbelli’s story is an intimate portrayal of a man's struggle through times that tested his soul. It is a narrative that resonates with the conflicts of those who lived through WWII, or the stories of resilience found in the darkest corners of human conflict.

This book is an invitation to walk alongside Corbelli, understanding his hardships, his victories, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. .