Up until 1939, Hannah Rosenthal lived a most comfortable life, her family was a part of Germany's highest and most exclusive social circles. She was admired and loved by friends and family, her afternoons were spent playing with her best friend Leo Martin, and her mother often took her in the evenings to the tea room of the splendid Adlon Hotel as a treat; they would both go dressed in their finest most beautiful clothes.
Almost instantly Hannah's way of life vanished, her families valuables and possessions were stripped away and they were ostracized from places they had once been important patrons of. Leo and Hannah make a pact that whatever may come their way they will be in each others futures. As Hannah and Leo's families begin to give up hope of ever escaping Germany they discover the Saint Louis, a liner which can take them to Cuba. Following a desperate search for visas, the two families leave for Havana on the luxurious passenger liner. The ship is a stark contrast to life in Nazi Germany with dancing, delicious meals, and masquerade balls.
As the ship sails towards Havana, Leo and Hannah begin to fall in love. However, the festive atmosphere of the ship immediately disappears when news from the outside world reaches the passengers. The US, Canadian, and Cuban governments are denying entry to the passengers of the Saint Louis, giving them no choice but to return to Europe at the peak of the war. It seemed the passengers had just received a death sentence instead of finding solace and paradise.
The Saint Louis is anchored at the bay for four days, only a few passengers are admitted entrance to Cuba. Leo and Hannah are torn apart.
Over seven decades later Anna Rosen, Hannah's great niece, receives a package from Hannah. Anna's father, Louis was raised by Hannah in Cuba. Hannah's package contains many memories, all clues to Anna's father's disappearance. Both Anna and Hannah form an indelible bond between a woman who lost all her family and a woman who felt she never had one.
