Hermann Gollantz, a principled antique dealer, faces a moral crisis when his commitment to honesty clashes with the manipulative ambitions of his wife's family. Hermann must navigate the complex social hierarchies of nineteenth-century Europe while shielding his wife, Rachel, from painful truths that threaten their domestic stability. As the narrative shifts focus to his son, Emmanuel, the story examines the intersection of personal desire and familial reputation within the elite circles of the Viennese Court. The prose follows a multi-generational structure, tracking the evolution of the Gollantz family business and their social standing across Paris, Vienna, and London.

Readers frequently highlight the meticulous attention to period detail and the atmospheric depiction of nineteenth-century European society. Discussion often centers on the moral dilemmas faced by Hermann Gollantz and how these choices ripple through subsequent generations of the family. Critics note the steady pacing that allows for deep character development, balancing the personal lives of the protagonists with the broader political climate of the era. The series is often praised for its ability to maintain consistent thematic threads regarding loyalty and honor across multiple volumes. Many readers appreciate the focus on the antique trade as a unique backdrop for exploring family dynamics and social ambition.