Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the novel follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. In the midst of the horrors of war, she forms a bond with a Jewish man her foster parents are hiding in their basement. The story is narrated by Death, offering a unique perspective on the atrocities and small acts of kindness during this period. The girl's love for books becomes a metaphor for resistance against the oppressive regime.

The novel is a multigenerational saga that explores the lives of a German family against the backdrop of significant political and social changes in East Germany. Spanning several decades, it delves into the personal and ideological struggles of each family member as they navigate the shifting landscape from the rise of socialism to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the story captures the complexities of loyalty, disillusionment, and the passage of time, painting a poignant portrait of a family caught in the tides of history.

The novel explores the themes of loss, love, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma through the life of Jules Moreau, who, along with his siblings, is sent to a boarding school after their parents' tragic death. As they grow up, each sibling copes differently with their grief and loneliness, leading them on divergent paths. Jules, the protagonist, struggles with feelings of isolation but finds solace in his friendship with Alva, a fellow student. The story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the quest for connection, ultimately highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity and finding meaning in life.