The novel tells about the events of the forties. War, the Holocaust, the expulsion of entire nations and the life of people in a foreign land. The cruel policies of the authorities are opposed by human kindness, which does not depend on nationality or religion. People are bound by mutual assistance, often requiring self-sacrifice. The authorities are powerless in their desire to take possession of souls until they succeed in eradicating kindness from human hearts. The cordiality and community of people also restrain the vengefulness of the mystical forces embodied in the blue mountain mustangs.