Das Brot der frühen Jahre

Summary

The Bread of Those Early Years

Walter Fendrich seems well settled: He has a secure job working for a big company, drives a shiny car and lives in a nice apartment. These things are in fact very important to him, for he grew up in poverty. His need for material well-being also prompts him to propose to Ulla Wickweber, the daughter of his boss.

The two become engaged, but then Walter meets Hedwig Muller, a girl from his hometown. Fendrich eventually falls in love with her and abruptly changes his life. While he used to be docile and opportunistic, he now ignores social conventions, which brings him into conflict with clients and colleagues. He spends his saved money on flowers and presents, and idly waits for hours for his beloved Hedwig. He even breaks up his engagement to Ulla and quits his job. Yet Walter does not care anymore – he has found a new kind of freedom and he only wants to share it with Hedwig.