A novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the small, melancholic town of Rattenberg, located in the Tyrolean Inn Valley, which is described as shrouded in perpetual gray mist and rain. The narrative introduces the reader to the town's atmosphere, particularly focusing on the life of traveling performers and their interactions with the townsfolk, including the central character, a young girl named Sophie, who moves between the harsh reality of her wandering life and the more protected environment of the town. The opening of the novel establishes a gloomy and oppressive ambiance in Rattenberg, where rain and fog contribute to a sense of desolation. As life stirs in the town after a lengthy period of bad weather, a troupe of traveling entertainers arrives, capturing the attention of the children and residents alike. Among them is Sophie, a Karrner child, who is introduced as living in a rough, unloving home under the domineering rule of her father, Gaudenz. The narrative reveals the tension in her family, particularly her fraught relationship with her father and her bond with her brother, Tonl. This tumultuous introduction sets the stage for Sophie's desire for love and belonging, hinting at her journey toward a new life away from the harshness of her upbringing.
