In "In the Garden of Beasts," Erik Larson presents the story of an American family navigating life in pre-World War II Berlin. The narrative dives into the contrast between their experiences and the escalating horrors of the Nazi regime. It explores themes of love, conflict, and the moral dilemmas faced by those living in a time of turmoil.

The quote from the book suggests that the quality of life is influenced more by individual choices and actions rather than mere geography. It encourages readers to reflect on how personal agency and values shape one’s existence, especially against a backdrop of societal chaos.