1936 Silesia, Germany. Hitler has gained power when Hannah and Paul's son is born. Not Party members, should they emigrate? To where? With a baby? In spite of tensions, they continue their complacent life until the Russian invasion forces their evacuation after bombings, looting, and rapes. The couple focuses on keeping their son alive as they plod rutted roads for months, pulling a small hand cart containing all their possessions. They find themselves penniless, starving, homeless, persecuted, robbed, and imprisoned. Compassion and cold contempt come from unexpected sources as the small family makes its way to freedom in the west. As they journey, each parent embarks on a mental odyssey struggling to define human nature, freedom and marriage.