In the autumn of 1939, just weeks after Germany's invasion of Poland, newlyweds Guy and Harriet Pringle arrive in Bucharest, then known as the "Paris of the East." The residents of this multifaceted city, engulfed in the uncertainty of war and political instability, cling to their vibrant daily lives as Romania and the rest of Europe are swept into chaos.

Meanwhile, Harriet begins to truly get to know her husband, a university professor and extrovert who immediately immerses himself in lively interactions with numerous people. She tries to find her place among a peculiar company of prim diplomats, wealthy ladies, seductive rogues, and careerists.

Based on the author's personal experiences, this book marks the beginning of the famous "Balkan Trilogy," which secured Olivia Manning's place in the annals of 20th-century literature. The authentic recreation of historical circumstances, the wide array of characters, and the subtle humor all contribute to making "The Great Fortune" one of the finest European novels about World War II.