In Erik Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts," the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Nazi Germany during the late 1930s. The story revolves around an American family navigating the complexities of life in Berlin, amidst rising tensions and political turmoil. The characters find themselves entangled in both personal and historical dramas that define the era.

A significant subplot involves a romance between one of the characters and the American writer Thomas Wolfe, who visits Berlin. Wolfe recalls the attraction he felt, describing her in vividly personal terms, suggesting a fleeting yet intense relationship that captures both the allure and danger of the time.