In early 20th century Amsterdam, an ambitious and decisively pragmatic young man named Jacob grapples with the complexities of human relationships while struggling to find his place in the world. From a young age, Jacob has been shaped by the rigid figure of his father, a renowned lawyer who always expects perfection and excellence from his son. Jacob's life becomes even more complicated when he becomes embroiled in a game of power and manipulation after the arrival of an enigmatic woman who awakens in him a mix of desire and resentment.
The story centers on Jacob's internal struggle between his need for his father's approval and his desire to forge his own path. As the plot unfolds, family secrets and traumas are revealed that threaten to destabilize Jacob's life. In his attempt to confront his father and his expectations, Jacob explores love, betrayal, and unchecked ambition.
The ever-changing urban environment of Amsterdam becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the tensions between the traditional and the modern, as well as the generational conflicts of the era. With a focus on the psychology of the characters and an intense narrative, the story illustrates how choices and the environment can shape a person's character, as Jacob comes to realize that his true struggle is with his father's legacy and his own identity in a world that is transforming around him.