Andras Levi, a young Jewish man from Budapest, receives a scholarship to study architecture in    Paris. While a student in the City of Light, he falls in love with Klara, also a refugee from Budapest. As Hitler amasses power, the situation for Jews everywhere in Europe becomes increasingly difficult. Eventually, Andras loses his student visa, and must return to Hungary. Klara follows, and they are married in their homeland. The story of Andras and Klara is central to the novel, but the love of family, especially Andras and his brothers, plays a key role in the narrative.

World War II in Europe often brings to mind the Blitz in London, Hitler’s army marching down the Champs Elysees, and Italy’s Mussolini, claiming that all his trains ran on time. With the exception of the concentration camps, the devastation of Eastern Europe is frequently overlooked. This book brings that to light – especially concerning the citizens of Budapest.

Even thought this book is long (a bit over 600 pages), it’s well worth the time spent in reading. It is a beautifully written, old-fashioned love story that reminded me a bit of the story of Dr. Zhivago.