The wartime trilogy, comprising the novels Castle to Castle, North, and Rigadoon, chronicles the tumultuous journey of the protagonist, Ferdinand, against the backdrop of World War II. Accused of collaboration due to his writings, Ferdinand embarks on a fraught escape from Paris to Denmark, navigating a landscape scarred by conflict and intrigue. Through the cynical lens of an older Ferdinand, the trilogy intertwines personal survival with historical chaos, presenting a narrative rich in tension and introspection.

The Narrative Framework

Each novel in the trilogy opens with a preface from Ferdinand, who, now settled in Meudon and resuming his medical practice, reflects on his past with a mix of bitterness and awareness, claiming his role as a scapegoat rather than a Nazi collaborator. This narration is uniquely framed by hallucinatory experiences that bridge the past and present, a literary device that signals the reader to interpret the narrative as a creative delirium rather than a strict autobiography. The hallucinatory episodes in Castle to Castle and Rigadoon provide a meta-narrative layer, emphasizing the interplay between memory, guilt, and fiction.

Chronological Discrepancies

The sequence of the novels, with North being the chronological start, diverges from the order of publication, which began with Castle to Castle. This decision was partly influenced by the author's desire to regain his literary standing by addressing the controversial collaborationist Vichy government. Ferdinand offers an alternative perspective, attributing the disorder to artistic freedom and the chaotic nature of the era itself.

Journey Through Chaos

The narrative begins with Ferdinand's escape from Paris, accompanied by his wife Lili and the actor Le Vigan. As they cross into Germany, they find temporary refuge in the serene environment of Baden-Baden, untouched by war’s devastation. Yet, this calm is shattered by the aftermath of the failed assassination attempt on Hitler, forcing Ferdinand and his companions to flee to a Berlin just beginning to reveal the physical and moral scars of the conflict.

The Deteriorating Landscape

In Berlin, Ferdinand's personal decline mirrors the city's ruin. He notices his limp and aged appearance—symptoms of the war's toll. This personal and physical erosion is compounded by a stay at Kranzlin, or "Zornhof," where Ferdinand becomes embroiled in the toxic dynamics of the von Leiden family. Amidst the hatred and schemes, Ferdinand maintains his detachment, even as the estate’s madness culminates in death and deception.

Sigmaringen's Illusions

Ferdinand and Lili’s journey leads them to Sigmaringen, a refuge overcrowded with pro-Nazi loyalists and Vichy officials such as Philippe Pétain and Pierre Laval. Here, the delusion of an imminent German victory persists among the elite, while Ferdinand confronts the grim realities of deprivation and disease among the less fortunate. Despite his medical duties, Ferdinand's primary concern remains his escape to Denmark, underscoring his disillusionment with the collapsing regime.

The Final Escape

The narrative concludes with Ferdinand and Lili's final attempt to flee to Denmark. Their journey is fraught with danger, from narrow escapes during the Allied bombardment in Hanover to their role as caretakers for retarded children on a train northward. The couple’s eventual arrival in Copenhagen does not bring relief; instead, it is tainted by Ferdinand’s fear that the city’s calm is a mere façade, ready to crumble at any moment.