The new novel by Bernhard Schlink, the author of the famous “Reader,” tells about the first three days in freedom of a German terrorist, sentenced to life but pardoned after twenty-four years in prison, one of the leaders of the ultra-left extremist organization “Red Army Faction” (RAF), which For almost three decades, it waged an “urban guerrilla war” against the state. The first days of freedom turn out to be a difficult test for Jorg and his old friends - former like-minded people, and now quite prosperous and trustworthy citizens who sincerely want to help him adapt to a new, free life. However, without dealing with the past, it is impossible to build the future. And Jörg’s past includes daring kidnappings and murders, ultimatums to the government, constant risk, fanatical faith in an idea and almost a quarter of a century in a prison cell. But maybe this was real life and there was only a miserable existence ahead? Or was the past a monstrous mistake, and that means all the sacrifices, all the blood were in vain?.. But if the future is still possible, what is its meaning then? What is the meaning of life?