It is 1933 and the new ambassador and his family have just arrived in Hitler's Berlin. University of Chicago professor William E. Dodd doesn't fit the mold of a typical US ambassador. He is not in Roosevelt's inner circle, he is not rich, and he was not influential in politics. Dodd takes the position believing he will have more time to write his pet project, a book about the South. His wife, daughter, Martha, and son Bill journey with him. In the beginning, the Dodds, especially Martha, are enchanted with Berlin and the people of Germany but soon the truth becomes clearer as Hitler's ascent to tyranny increases the violence against Jews and dissidents. Dodd tries to warn the President and others in America that Hitler is increasing his army and weapons and will continue to persecute Jews. His warnings fall on deaf ears. It is a riveting, must-read novel!