The Echo of Old Books is set across two timelines, one of which takes place in 1940s America, in the midst of World War II. While the book is focused on Belle and Hemi’s romance, the historical context has significant bearing on the plot.

Hemi first meets Belle at the latter’s engagement party, which he is attending to find information about Belle’s father, Martin Manning. As the story progresses, Davis reveals that Hemi’s purpose for moving to the United States is to write an exposé on Martin and his antisemitic, pro-Nazi dealings. The article is finally published to expose Martin’s political affiliations and attitudes, although Hemi is not the author and the focus is on Helene’s death.

Martin’s story is not unusual, especially during the early 20th century in America. Fascism and antisemitism were slowly on the rise, and one of the most vocal advocates was Henry Ford. In a newspaper Ford purchased, he published articles claiming that Jewish people were responsible for much of America’s misfortunes. These articles were eventually bound and distributed as volumes titled, “The International Jew” (“Ford’s Anti-Semitism.” PBS, 2012). A discussion on this topic at one of Martin’s dinner parties triggers Helene’s breakdown and subsequent banishment to the asylum.