The life of Leni Pfeiffer, a woman navigating the turbulent social and political landscape of 20th-century Germany, is reconstructed through a complex web of testimonies. Leni, a woman whose non-conformist nature and personal choices place her at odds with the rigid societal expectations of her time, serves as the focal point for an investigation conducted by an unnamed narrator. The narrative framework is constructed as a documentary-style report, utilizing interviews, official records, and personal accounts to piece together her history. The protagonist faces opposition from institutional forces, including the Nazi regime and the subsequent conservative post-war establishment, as she attempts to maintain her autonomy. The story operates within a realistic, albeit highly structured, framework that emphasizes the accumulation of objective data to reveal subjective truths.

Readers and critics often note the technical complexity of the narrative, which functions as a mosaic of voices rather than a traditional linear account. Discussion frequently centers on the author's use of the 'author-investigator' persona to critique the moral failures of German society across different political eras. Many highlight the meticulous attention to detail and the dry, clinical tone that contrasts with the emotional weight of Leni's personal experiences. The work is recognized for its ability to balance character study with a broader examination of historical memory and institutional complicity. Readers often find the structural density rewarding, as it requires active engagement to synthesize the disparate accounts into a cohesive portrait of the protagonist.