Part 1 Basel, pages 3-13 Summary

The Counterlife tells multiple versions of the same story. It begins with the story of Henry Zuckerman, who has been diagnosed with a heart problem.

Henry, a successful dentist, is diagnosed as being at risk of a heart attack. Henry's doctor prescribes medication, and soon Henry complains about the side effects. The most troublesome side effect for Henry is sexual impotence. Henry is unable to have sexual relations with either his wife, Carol, or his mistress and dental assistant, Wendy. Over a period of months, the impotence causes Henry to be depressed. He wants to consider surgery as an option, but the doctor advises against that course because of the dangers.

Henry remembers an affair he had with a Swiss woman named Maria ten years earlier, and this makes him feel more depressed. He travels from his...