Author Description

Karl Bazinger, a Wehrmacht officer stationed in occupied Paris, is sheltered from the cruelty of WWII. Surrounding himself with bohemian luminaries and eccentrics, Bazinger spends much of his time enjoying France, women and the occasional literary debate. Life becomes complicated when Karl's musings on the dubiousness of the German victory attract the attention of the SS, and grows even more so with a visit from Hans Bielenberg, an old friend likely involved in resistance activities. After a short trip home to Germany, a transfer to Kiev exposes Karl to the harsh realities of Hitler's regime; his visits to an underground Russian doctor, Katia, allow him a brief respite from the war's ravages.