The book begins before World War II and ends after, however the majority of the story takes place during the war period. Drafted into Hitler's Escort Battalion as a medic, Walter sets off on a most arduous adventure that takes him from his hometown of Berlin to Leningrad, Stalingrad, Paris, Vienna and other European hot spots. Brutal reality on the battlefield and Russia's dehumanizing winters serve stark contrast to friendships between enemies and passionate encounters. Internal conflict between religious beliefs and sheer survival as well as a never-ending quest for reunification with his brother in America are forces that shape his young life. The book is autobiographical, but written in the form of a novel.