Florian Illies's book is a unique chronicle of feelings and relationships during the period between 1929 and 1939—the decade preceding World War II. The author skillfully intertwines the love stories of famous personalities against the backdrop of rising hatred and political tension in Europe. This work combines historical analysis and artistic narrative, allowing the reader to see how people's personal experiences contrasted with the grim atmosphere of the impending catastrophe. Illies creates a multifaceted portrait of an era where human emotions oppose the destructive forces of history.