"In the Garden of Beasts" is a historical narrative by Erik Larson that explores the experiences of William Dodd, the American ambassador to Nazi Germany in the early 1930s. The book details Dodd's observations of the political climate in Berlin as the Nazi Party rises to power, highlighting the tension and fear that permeated society during this tumultuous period. The story also focuses on Dodd's daughter, Martha Dodd, who becomes involved in the vibrant yet dangerous social scene of Berlin. Through her relationships with various Nazi officials and other expatriates, the narrative illustrates the complexities of life in a city on the brink of war, revealing the moral dilemmas faced by those living under an oppressive regime.