In "In the Garden of Beasts," Erik Larson tells the gripping story of an American family living in Berlin during the rise of Nazism. The narrative centers on the profound changes the family undergoes as they confront the terrifying realities of Hitler's regime. The family’s experiences reflect the struggle between hope and despair, with their lives forever transformed by the political turmoil surrounding them.

The quote emphasizes how sudden news can permanently change one's existence, encapsulating the family's shock and adjustments to a new and dangerous world. As they navigate the complexities of life under a totalitarian government, their journey reveals the challenges of morality and loyalty amid growing terror.