Daniel Kehlmann weaves an intricate tale around the Friedland brothers and their estranged father, Arthur, who leaves them to chase his own aspirations of becoming a famed writer. This tragicomedy unfurls the lives of three sons, each grappling with their own deceptions: Martin, a priest lost of faith; Eric, a financier on the verge of financial collapse; and Ivan, an artist entangled in forgery. Set against the backdrop of the looming global financial crisis, 'F' explores the interplay between destiny and choice, the weight of paternal legacy, and the illusory facets of success.