Amid Japan's invasion of China during World War II, Jamie Graham, a British upper middle class schoolboy, enjoys a privileged life in the Shanghai International Settlement. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan begins occupying the settlement. As the Graham family evacuate the city, Jamie is separated from his parents in the ensuing chaos. Jamie returns to their house, assuming they will return. A sign posted outside states that the house is now the property of the Japanese government, though no soldiers are present. The rooms have been vandalised and most of the food eaten. He sees the family's Chinese housekeeper looting furniture with an accomplice and questions her. She walks slowly toward him and slaps him in the face. After a length of time alone and having eaten the little remaining food, he ventures back into the city.