The rise of Nazism catapults Emma's once idyllic life in Vienna into chaos. As she grapples with the harsh new reality of her country's betrayal, she desperately clings to her humanity by hiding her Jewish friends. In the aftermath, she grapples with grief and despair,. She is helped by the friendship of a young British soldier in the post-war occupied Vienna, but only finds true solace by helping a young girl in even greater need than herself.

The war sends Sophie, her close friend's young daughter, down difficult paths to safety touched by renewed sorrow. Sophie returns to Vienna years later in search of her lost history.

Friedrich, Sophie's morally ambiguous uncle, teeters on the edge of what is right and his personal survival. His actions and inaction leave long-lasting repercussions that will threaten to throw all their lives into turmoil again.