Janina Milek was transported with her family in 1940 to Siberia where she worked in labor camps for nearly two years. From there she spent eight years in refugee camps in Uzbekistan, Persia, Northern Rhodesia and finally Tanganyika.

In 1950 Janina arrived in Western Australia she was thirty years old and alone. When Janina first stepped into young Tim Chappells life they formed an instant bond that deepened as he became enthralled by the stories Janina told of her remarkable life.

In The Persian Blanket Tim has intertwined Janinas life stories with poignant, often hilarious memories he has of growing up with her. What emerges is a tender portrait of a woman who, despite numerous setbacks, never faltered in facing the arbitrariness of life with tremendous courage and resilience. The Persian Blanket is a truly inspiring story of a remarkable woman.