The seminal events of the twentieth century, the Second World War and the Holocaust, are part of this story. Violence, loss of life and destruction senseless hatred and the ruins left behind by the raging battles is the stage on which the lives of the book's heroes evolve. Despite the hostility, despite the hypocrisy, or indifference in situations when action was required, despite the perverse wickedness and destruction, despite incredible odds and losses, hope and love survives and proves that life can be and is triumphant.