Set against the backdrop of World War II, a university student named Anna van der Vliet returns home to a divided South Africa. Amidst the tension of the war and her father's political stature, she becomes suspicious of his activities, believing he may be involved in secret operations to assist the enemy. The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of family ties during a tumultuous time in history.
Amidst her battle with cancer in a New York hospital, exiled ballerina Lena Sergeyevna confronts her past and seeks to mend her relationship with her estranged daughter. As she reveals the harrowing truth behind her escape from the Chernobyl disaster—where her husband Yuri vanished—Lena grapples with the shame and sacrifices of her former life. Set against the backdrop of Ukraine, this memoir-thriller delves into themes of self-expression, the quest for truth, and the profound effects of personal and global tragedies on the human spirit.