A gripping and powerful tale of resilience and courage set in Vienna on the brink of WWII as
two members of Freud's Circle try to keep themselves and their loved ones safe as the SS closes
in. Spring 1938: Café Mozart in the heart of Vienna is beloved by its clientele including
cousins Mathias Kraemer and Johannes Namal. The two writers are as close as brothers. They are
also members of Freud's Circle-a unique group of the famed psychiatrist's friends and
acquaintances who once gathered regularly at the bright and airy café to talk about books and
ideas over coffee and pastries. But dark days are looming. With Hitler's annexation of Austria
Nazi edicts governing daily life become stricter and more punitive. Now Hitler has demanded
that the hidden Jews of Vienna be tracked down and Freud's Circle has been targeted. The SS
aims to use old group photos to identify Jewish intellectuals and subversives. With the vise
tightening around them Mathias and Johannes's only option appears to be hiding in plain sight
using assumed names and identities to evade detection aware that discovery would mean
consignment to a camp or execution. Faced with stark and desperate choices Mathias Johannes
their families and friends all find their loyalties and courage tested in unimaginable ways.
But despite betrayal heartache and imprisonment hope remains and with it the determination
to keep those they love alive and Mathias and Johannes at the same time discovering that what
originally condemned them-their writing-might also be their salvation.
