The central theme revolves around a deception that began during an adoption in 1958. The protagonist, a baby girl named Heidi, loses her original name and German heritage at a tender age, as she is whisked away from Wiesbaden to be raised by an older American couple residing in Paris. A few years later, the family moves to Washington, D.C., along with their nanny.

As Heidi grows older, she becomes increasingly skeptical of her mother's peculiar behavior and her father's reserved demeanor. During her time at university, Heidi encounters a mysterious stranger who hands her an envelope addressed to her uncle. When she confronts him, he reveals unsettling truths about himself. Although alarms go off in her mind, she chooses to suppress them, focusing instead on romance and her aspirations of pursuing a career in the theatrical world.

Over time, a series of significant events take place, further deepening the mystery surrounding Heidi's past, creating a complex tapestry of emotions and unforeseen connections as the protagonist delves deeper into her past while navigating through her daily life. Her uncle is tragically murdered, leading her on a quest to uncover her lost German family. In the process, she stumbles upon a treasure trove of long-buried secrets that have the power to alter her understanding of her own history and identity.