“A man can bear almost anything if he has to.”
The novel follows Dr. Ravic, a German refugee surgeon living in Paris under a false identity after fleeing Nazi persecution. Working illegally in a clinic, he navigates a precarious existence while treating patients and helping fellow exiles. His life takes a turn when he meets Joan Madou, a troubled actress, and their passionate but doomed love affair unfolds against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe.
Early Chapters: Life in Exile
Ravic moves through the shadows of Paris, performing surgeries under another doctor’s name. He befriends other refugees, including Boris Morosov, a Russian émigré. The city is filled with displaced people, each with their own tragedies. Ravic maintains emotional detachment, hardened by his experiences.
Meeting Joan Madou
Ravic encounters Joan after she attempts suicide following a bad breakup. He saves her life and they begin a relationship. Their connection is intense but complicated—Ravic refuses to fully commit, knowing his precarious situation, while Joan grows increasingly dependent on him emotionally.
The Haack Subplot
Ravic recognizes Haack, a Nazi officer who tortured him in Germany. He stalks Haack through Paris, planning revenge. This personal vendetta runs parallel to his relationship with Joan, showing how the past continues to haunt him.
Joan’s Downward Spiral
As Ravic remains emotionally distant, Joan becomes involved with another man. Her new relationship is abusive, but she clings to it out of desperation. Ravic watches helplessly as she deteriorates, torn between his love for her and his inability to offer stability.
Revenge and Consequences
Ravic finally executes his plan against Haack, killing him. Shortly after, Joan is fatally shot by her abusive lover. Ravic helps the man escape, showing his complex morality. The police arrest Ravic for his illegal status just as World War II begins.
Final Chapters
As Ravic is taken to an internment camp, he reflects on loss, war, and survival. The novel ends ambiguously—whether he will survive the coming war remains unknown, but his resilience in the face of suffering is clear.
Key Ideas
- The psychological toll of exile and displacement
- Love as both salvation and destruction
- The moral complexities of revenge
- Existential perseverance in the face of suffering
- The dehumanizing effects of war and persecution
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in WWII-era historical fiction
- Those exploring themes of exile and displacement
- Fans of tragic love stories with philosophical depth
- Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives