In a secluded mountain hotel, a group of Jewish guests attempts to shed their cultural identity to survive an encroaching, hostile world. As the political climate in pre-war Europe darkens, the patrons of The Retreat engage in a rigorous, often surreal program designed to erase their Jewish mannerisms, speech patterns, and physical habits. The protagonist navigates this environment of forced assimilation, facing the psychological toll of denying one's heritage while the external threat of persecution looms ever closer. The narrative framework utilizes a detached, observational tone to highlight the absurdity and desperation inherent in the guests' attempts to transform themselves into something they are not.

Readers and critics frequently note the haunting, dreamlike quality of the prose, which mirrors the characters' detachment from reality. Discussion often centers on the ethical implications of the characters' choices and the author's ability to convey profound dread through subtle, understated dialogue. Many highlight the effectiveness of the isolated setting in heightening the tension as the outside world slowly encroaches upon the hotel. The work is often praised for its refusal to provide easy answers, leaving the reader to contemplate the complex nature of identity during times of extreme crisis.