The novel is set in Alsace, when this territory was annexed to Germany, after the defeat of France in the war of 1870. The Oberlé are a rich family with tradition, but in the face of the new social enviroment they are divided: on the one hand, some love the old France and their native land, seeking to live faithful to their customs; while the others try to integrate into German society and to adapt to new times and new lords.
The children (John and Luciana) are part of a generation that does not know the times before the war. After a long education in boarding schools where they soak up the German spirit and culture, Luciana tries to integrate and marry a German officer, even renouncing her roots. But John returns to the village where he was born, to live as an Alsatian and work with his father. There he falls in love, but realizes that it is an impossible love, so he decides to flee. A book where the author transmits a deep love for his land, his people, his customs.