Lucien Bernard is a proud, Parisian architect. He loves France and Paris in particular, despising the Germans for upending the social order. By his own admission, he is an anti-Semitic, self-serving coward with no interest in risking his own safety or comfort.

Certain of his unparalleled architectural ability but unable to land a job where he can prove himself, Lucien is willing to do anything to further his career. As the war and Occupation lead to desperation, he agrees to design a hiding place for a wealthy businessman’s Jewish acquaintance.

While initially spurred by self-interest, greed, and pride, Lucien’s motives for designing the hiding places evolve as he develops close friendships and even a family with Jewish people. By the end of the book, he is as proud of his personal character and actions as he is of his skills as an architect.

Manet is a wealthy aristocrat who builds his fortune through business ventures. Raised by a Jewish nanny, Manet is personally committed to saving the lives of as many Jewish people as he can. He hides and rescues Jews using his network of spies, smugglers, and one reluctant architect—Lucien.