My book Stones in Water is a historical fiction book and I was wondering what historical event happened during the book.

The book Stones in Water, by Donna Jo Napoli, depicts World War II and the Holocaust.  World War II was fought in Europe between 1939 and 1945.  The book tells the story of how the Germans arrested Roberto and his friends as they were at a theater in Venice, Italy.  From there, they were packed on a train and taken to a labor camp.  The narrative details the horrible conditions for laborers in the camp and how they try to protect one of their Jewish friends from being discovered.  In the camps, food is scarce and conditions are horrible.  Prisoners are treated in a cruel manner.  They support each other emotionally and quietly nurture each others spirits.  The book is told from the perspective of Roberto and his struggle to survive.