Max Kirschner is a German Jew, born and raised around the turn of the century in Munich. He serves his country as a medical officer in World War I, for which he is awarded the Iron Cross, which he wears with pride. He works for many years as a doctor in Frankfurt am Main until National Socialism fundamentally changes this life. Following the revocation of his medical license, he is transported to the Buchenwald concentration camp, losing all his property and social roots. Kirschner flees with his family to England and emigrates to the United States. There, at over 50 years old, he starts anew, studies again, obtains new citizenship, establishes a practice, and finally experiences the joy of life again – with his children and many grandchildren. Max Kirschner never returned to Germany.