In "In the Garden of Beasts," Erik Larson explores the lives of an American family living in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime. The story focuses on the tensions and complexities of life in a city undergoing dramatic political changes. As the family navigates their experiences, they become increasingly aware of the ominous developments occurring around them, culminating in the exposure of the dark realities behind the Nazi facade.

The phrase about "complicated people moving through a complicated time" encapsulates the struggle of individuals trying to maintain their normal lives amidst the growing terror of the regime. This backdrop serves as a poignant reminder of how ordinary lives were profoundly impacted by the rise of hatred and oppression, illustrating the precarious nature of living in an era marked by upheaval and moral corruption.