Rowing Dogs

The two authors, closely associated for many years, have found a common tone in their stories, and a melody that combines funny and sad episodes into a book for all those still puzzled by the mysterious twists and turns of life.

Mr Löhlein, an octogenarian mixture of military snappiness and elegance, a "real gentleman" as the widowed mother puts it, oversteps the boundaries of good taste in his attempts to win the heart of his beloved, while the unannounced visits of Mr Hürzeler, a retired accountant, force mother and daughter to take cover – literally – to escape his charms. The corn-fed chicken, on the other hand, a bargain buy from the local farm, is allowed to stay. Originally, it was destined for the pot, but since it sat so guilelessly on the passenger seat, picking up fluff from the upholstery, slaughter is out of the question. And what were the rowing dogs all about who appear both in a story by Elke Heidenreich and by Bernd Schroeder? This cannot be disclosed here, because the event has left rather different recollections.