Nella Bielski Book order

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows Karl Bazinger, a Wehrmacht officer enjoying life in Occupied Paris, complete with a French girlfriend and high-profile acquaintances. His disdain for the Nazis puts him at odds with the SS, especially after a visit from his friend Hans, who may be linked to resistance efforts. Seeking to escape scrutiny, Karl transfers to the Eastern Front, where he faces a starkly different reality of war, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral complexities of conflict.

Exploring themes of loss and memory, the narrative delves into the protagonist's reflections on her husband's absence and the haunting memories of her childhood in wartime Russia. It poignantly addresses the void left by friends and family who disappeared into the Gulag, creating a deeply personal meditation on the impact of death and absence in a woman's life.

Liola's husband is living with another woman and her mother is dying. This is a story of life in Russia and of meditation on life and death.