March 12, 1938, is a dark day. Hitler's evil sweeps across Austria, destroying all in its path. Although violinist Elisa Lindheim is safe in Czechoslovakia--for the moment--she grieves over her beloved Vienna. Swastika flags now wave from every window. Jewish shops are destroyed. Neighbors' houses stand empty. The Jews and those who try to defend them are arrested or killed. The clock is running out for those the Nazis consider enemies of the state,...

Leah and little Louis attempt to escape Austria over treacherous foot paths in the Alps while Murphy and Elisa begin their trip toward New York. While Jewish refugees from Germany float on the open seas, Elisa stands precariously between Hitler's domination of Europe and the possibility of destroying his power once and for all.