Summary

The novel opens in 1939 with the perspective of Addy Kurc, a 25-year-old Polish Jewish man living in Paris and working as a composer. He has recently received a letter from his mother, Nechuma, suggesting he stay in France rather than return to Poland, as it is too dangerous to pass through the German border. Nechuma's concern worries Addy, and he decides he should return home immediately.

Shortly thereafter, Germany invades Czechoslovakia.

Chapter 2 is told from the perspective of 31-year-old Genek Kurc, Addy's brother living in Radom, Poland. He chats with friends about the likelihood of Germany invading Poland before going home to his wife, Herta.

Chapter 3 is told from the perspective of the Kurc matriarch, Nechuma, also in Radom. The Kurcs celebrate Passover, and Nechuma worries about Addy, who is not present despite having written to say he was coming home. The Kurcs...