Book excerpt: The third novel from the international bestselling author of Judas. “A profusion of delightful passages couched in unfailingly lovely language.” —The New York Times Book Review 1939. As the Nazis advance into Poland, a Jewish mathematician and watchmaker named Pomeranz escapes into the wintry forest, leaving behind his beautiful, intelligent wife, Stefa. After the war, having evaded the concentration camps, they begin to build new lives; Stefa in Stalin’s Russia and Pomeranz in Israel, where, as they move toward reunion, another war is brewing. An intricate tale of people seeking escape from a hostile world in thrillingly fantastical ways. “Lyrical . . . Its youthfulness and energy are exhilarating.” —The New Yorker “A masterful aggregate of philosophical speculation, witty social commentary and solid story telling.” —Kirkus Reviews “An outstandingly rich book . . . a pleasure to read.” —Times Literary Supplement