Summary

In Chapter 1, “The Guesthouse for Gentlemen,” 24-year-old Mieczysław (Mieczhś) Wojnicz takes the train to the Guesthouse for Gentlemen in Görbersdorf. He has tuberculosis and his father, January Wojnicz, has sent him to Wilhelm (Willi) Opitz’s health resort to recover. The altitude and mountain environment are said to heal the lungs. Upon arrival, he “fills his lungs with . . . this new air” but starts coughing (5). Opitz greets him and leads him to his room.

In his room, Wojnicz worries he is “being spied on” (7). He has had this fear for years, much to January’s chagrin. He checks the walls for spy holes before settling down with his notebook and recording everything he ate along his voyage. Then while washing his face, he remembers his former nanny and housekeeper Gliceria.

The next morning, Wojnicz joins the other residents downstairs. The Breslau theosophist...