"Golden Stones" by Cornelia Franz is a poignant novel that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the confrontation with the past. The story follows three teenagers, Leon, Nikolai, and Yara, who become connected through an unexpected event. Leon, who thoughtlessly steals a man's cap, becomes the victim of a brutal attack that has deeper roots. Nikolai, who often feels isolated as a Jew in his surroundings, realizes that the attack on Leon may have been intended for him. Yara, on the other hand, lives in a house with stumbling stones that remind her of the past and prompt her to reflect on the fate of a girl named Ella. Together, the three not only uncover the background of the attack but also learn much about themselves and the value of friendship. The novel offers a multifaceted narrative that provokes thought and invites readers to engage with history.