World War II-era fiction is popular right now but what makes this debut different is that it portrays an ordinary German family. The incidents were inspired by the author's own family. Wiseman's mother's family lived in Germany during the war. The story is centered around Christine and her desire to protect her family and her boyfriend who is Jewish.
The Plum Tree is about longing, loyalty, and incredible bravery of the people who fought injustice.
For a time, resistance was simply leaving hard-boiled eggs in places where the Jewish prisoners could find them.
Eventually, Christine hides Isaac in the family attic. Once he is discovered, though, both are sent to Dachau.
She receives one of the better jobs and works for one of the better captors. Even so, her stay in Dachau nearly kills her.
Wiseman explains in an afterward which historical details were altered to fit the story.
