Lost Roses takes place in Russia, France, and America between 1912 and 1921. During this time, Russia faced a violent revolution and other parts of Europe became embroiled in the First World War. The novel focuses mainly on the uprising and fallout of the revolution in Russia, with other characters being directly or indirectly affected by the state of the world amidst the war.

The novel’s first chapter opens in 1914, as Russia is already fraught with tension due to the poor living conditions of the working classes and the gap between the rich and the poor. Sofya and her family experience this tension firsthand but are initially reluctant to give it serious attention. During this same year, Russia joined the war effort against Germany, and the human and economic cost of the war exacerbated the social tension that was already present, especially as Russia suffered a series of devastating military losses. Parts 1 and 2 of the novel explore the shadow of war and the buildup to what is considered the true revolution, beginning in 1917—the year that opens the novel’s Part 3. In the spring of 1917, protestors took to the street demanding food, which led to outbreaks of violence.