This third book in the Mixed Relations trilogy is the story of Gertrude M ller von Deham's rise to become the 'Soul of Moloch' and one of Vienna's most celebrated socialites. Her natural curiosity and wry humour made her a favorite amongst her set.
While trying to keep her errant husband in line, she simultaneously struggles to keep her impetuous children steady on their life paths as they also experience the intense vagaries of love and married life.
When the horrors of WWII begin, she uses her extensive network and a hearty dose of truth stretching to try to secure safe passage out of Austria for Jewish friends and loved ones and as many of their belongings as possible.
This story is an inspiration that speaks to living life with a positive attitude regardless of your circumstances as well as the karmic reality of kindness, compassion and loyalty.
It is also a very disturbing reminder of the ugliness and cruelty of misguided power and the horrors of racism.