Chapter 1: The Last Link

When we meet Fidelis Waldvogel, he has just returned home from the trenches of war torn Germany. He has begun to feel again, to experience coming alive after having shut off his emotions for so long. In his understanding, “to come alive after dying to himself was dangerous. There was far too much to feel, so he must seek…only shallow sensations” (Erdrich 2). He is, in essence, still in survival mode, and must learn how to cope with even the slightest hint of emotion. Having been so focused on his physical well-being for so long, he is now vulnerable to the physiological effects that pain or joy may have on him.

This will be a recurring theme throughout the novel, as the effects of war on the human psyche are explored in great depth. Fidelis not only must come to terms with his survival and his best friend’s death, but do his part, as each surviving German must do, to clean up the aftermath of the war. In fact, he has promised to marry his dead best friend’s fiancé, Eva, and must use his resources and strengths to carve out a life for them.