The book written in a third person narratives is about the Second World War and three ordinary people affected by it. The first is Helmut, a young photographer, born in the early 1900's in Germany. He is disappointed when he cannot join the army because of a deformity he was born with, but otherwise he is zealous for his motherland. His story ends at the end of the war, with his beloved parents gone and the return of his countrymen. The second is Lore, a 12 year old girl whose story begins at the end of the war. She is to lead her 4 younger siblings to the other side of Germany to her grandmother Oma after her parents were imprisoned for war crimes. They go on their journey determined, despite the harsh and unfavourable conditions they meet. They finally reach their destination with the help of a 'friend' Thomas.
Finally there is Micheal, who lives in modern day Germany and he finds out his beloved grandfather was a member of the SS and he is determined to find out about his activities during the war. What he discovers changes his relationship with his family. The book is written in third person style and there is no direct conversation throughout the whole book.