Dörte is an orphan and heiress to a considerable fortune, she lives in a castle near Lähn with her governess. However, before he reaches adulthood, due to the bad economic situation and inflation, which is growing rapidly after the First World War, he has to beg the trustees of the inheritance for every penny.

Her cousin Ursel is only twelve years old, but she already knows that the world can be a really dark place. The girl's mother remarries. However, charming stepfather Peter Grupen soon shows his true colors. Now every day is a never-ending nightmare, but no one will believe her. Neither mother nor grandmother. And if they believed, they close their eyes to the terrifying reality. Because in a world ruled by men, women must be silent and obedient.

A novel that in its form refers to the mutual correspondence of apologizing victims. A novel about the tragedy of abused women, deadly manipulation, an unjust legal system and social stereotypes, based on real events. A tragic story that happened a hundred years ago, but is still relevant.