This novel is based on a true story about the fate of a family of wealthy Jews trapped in Poland during World War 2. Miriam, a privileged and educated woman from a middle-class family, entered into an arranged marriage in 1919. Their family life was undermined by Otto's long-term affair with his business partner's wife, which resulted in the birth of two illegitimate children. Miriam, who knew of the affair, but not the paternity, chose to remain in the marriage, in order to enjoy the luxuries of their lifestyle, and for their three children to whom she was devoted.

When war broke out, Miriam and Otto were effectively living apart, and against her better judgement, Miriam agreed to Otto's demand that she return from a trip to France to their home in Krakow. Within a week, Poland was invaded by Hitler's forces, and soon after by Stalin's.

Miriam and her young daughter, Anna, left Krakow 24 hours before the Nazis arrived, but was caught between the German and Soviet forces as they divided Poland. Settling in Russian occupied Lwow, they learned to live a hand to mouth existence. In 1941, when Hitler declared war on Russia and as his forces were about to overwhelm Lwow, Miriam was saved by an SS Officer, an old friend from Vienna.