Red Vienna is the first part of the Two Suitcases trilogy, recounting Gisi and Max's thrilling 1938 escape from the Nazis in Vienna. Set during the 1920s and early 30s, Gisi and Max-young Jews living in a city idyllically governed by the socialists-meet in Vienna's great coffee houses to pursue their studies, careers, and romance.

But this life won't last. Austria is coming under the influence of Nazis and Germany, and gradually luring the socialists away from resistance. When the fascist government moves against the socialists, killing many and imprisoning many more, Gisi and Max know they will die unless they escape.