This biography delves into the life of Helmuth James von Moltke, a key figure in the 'Kreisauer Kreis,' who opposed Hitler's regime. Historian Volker Ullrich highlights a revealing document from Moltke's correspondence—a letter from February 1939 to his English friend Lionel Curtis—which exposes Moltke's inner conflict over the political turmoil in Germany. Despite attempts to find a career as a barrister in London, Moltke grappled with the prospect of returning to his family's estate in Kreisau, where he considered retreating to a pastoral life amidst the oppressive state of opposition. As he reflected on the political landscape, he noted that a regime change seemed unlikely and that dissent had been effectively stifled, illustrating the intense internal struggle he faced even before his involvement in resistance efforts.