The Unguarded House

Two school friends, twelve years old and both without a father, are at the centre of this story from the early post-war era. Heinrich and Martin grow up without their fathers who have not returned from the war. Their circumstances of life are completely different but they share formative experiences.

Heinrich grows up in poor circumstances and from an early age has to take on responsibility. His mother has changing partners which makes him very unhappy. Martin’s mother on the other hand is the well-off widow of a renowned poet, they do not have financial worries. But Martin feels alone and knows that his mother suffers despite their material wealth.

With empathy and precision Böll describes the everyday life of both friends from alternating perspectives and shines a light on the difficulties of beginning puberty. Through the destinies of sons and mothers he paints a portrait of the generations that lived through the war and the post-war era which has exemplary validity.