Summary

The section is marked with a quote by Heinrich Himmler indicating that the sexual lives of private individuals represent the life and death of the nation in which they live. The novel itself begins in West Berlin as Erich Ackermann sits in the bar of a hotel following an event at the Literaturhaus featuring his latest novel. Although born in Berlin, he felt uncomfortable returning here after spending so many decades abroad. Following the war, he left the country, studied in England and eventually received a professorship at King's College. Now with the success of his Prize winning novel he was touring major cities to promote it. As he drank his wine, Erich was surprised to find himself not only watching a young waiter in the bar, but intensely desiring him. He had long ago given up pursuing sex...