A novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a childless couple, Käte and Paul Schlieben, who, despite their artistic inclinations and social charm, grapple with their longing for children. As their marital joy wanes over the years, they embark on a journey to find fulfillment, initially through travel and later through the potential adoption of a found child. At the start of the novel, we meet Käte and Paul Schlieben, who find themselves increasingly distressed over their childlessness. The couple goes on a series of travels to stimulate Käte’s artistic passion, but she struggles to overcome her melancholy as they encounter children during their journey. The initial revelation of a found child in the Venn region leads to fervent discussions between them about the possibility of adopting this child. The opening sets the stage for their emotional turmoil and the societal issues surrounding parenthood, ultimately leading to their hope for a new beginning.
