A work of alternative history, it is set in Central Europe after World War II and the implementation of the Morgenthau Plan, which has deindustrialized the region and created a ruthless post-apocalyptic-esque society.

[1] Curt Fields wrote in the Chicago Tribune: "The themes are grand, but the writing is far from pompous.

Ransmayr's story (and John E. Woods' translation from the original German) is elegant, incisive and never labored.

"[2] In The New York Times, Gabriele Annan wrote about the book's use of allegory: "Whatever it symbolizes, the narrative is wildly arbitrary; but there is something so powerful, committed and solemn about Ransmayr's tone that it seems like a command to interpret his message".

"[3] Publishers Weekly wrote: "Ably translated by Woods, this novel paints a convincing postapocalyptic world sent back into a nearly pre-civilized state.