Daniel Simpson's memoir chronicles his experiences in Belgrade during a tumultuous period, focusing on his decision to leave his New York Times reporting job to organize a major music festival. The book details his immersion into Serbian culture and the complex interactions he had with local figures, including those from the criminal underworld. Simpson's narrative explores the challenges and unexpected alliances formed while attempting to bring a large-scale cultural event to fruition in a region marked by political and social complexities.

The book offers a unique perspective on a specific time and place, blending personal memoir with observations on cultural and social dynamics. The narrative's focus on the practicalities of festival organization alongside the author's journalistic background suggests a detailed and engaging account. The inclusion of interactions with the criminal underworld points to a potentially gritty and revealing exploration of Serbian society.