In 1960s Manhattan, patrons flock to Masha's for the delicious food, impeccable service, and dashing owner and chef, Peter Rashkin. Peter suffers from the terrible guilt of surviving Auschwitz while his wife, Masha--the restaurant's namesake--and two young daughters perished. Although he is considered the most eligible bachelor in town, Peter has resigned himself to a solitary life. Then he falls passionately in love with beautiful young model June Bouquet, and hopes to finally let go of the past. But over the next twenty years, the indelible sadness of his memories overshadow Peter, June, and their daughter Elsbeth, transforming them in shocking, heartbreaking, and unexpected ways.
