October 1943 Summary

Pensione Usodimare, Porto Sant'Andrea

Werner Schramm's sister, Irmgard, had encephalitis as a child and the family institutionalized her. His mother committed suicide, confirming Werner's feeling that Irmgard ruined his family. He began to believe that money and time should not be spent on those who are weak. Serving as a physician, he became the protégé of Professor Hoche, who encouraged him to do research. Schramm confesses to Renzo he has been AWOL from the German army for over a month. Schramm's gory horror stories do not disturb Renzo. Schramm, who is dying from tuberculosis, realizes Renzo is Jewish. They discuss their personal backgrounds, Schramm admitting to German idealism.

It would take cold, dry air, plain food, nursing to postpone Schramm's death, and Renzo decides to see what he can do to help Schramm live long enough to see his family again.

Valdottavo...