Elaborately illustrated by Nikolaus Heidelbach, Siegfried Lenz has titled these stories "Small Explorations of the Masurian Soul." What he brings to light is a society of highly eccentric characters, residing in the area between Suleyken and Schissomir: a cunning grandfather named Hamilkar Schass, who cannot be disturbed by death, the devil, or General Wawrila of Rokitno while reading; the plump Aunt Arafa, who unexpectedly passes away; the boatman Manoah, who silently bequeaths a great inheritance; Joseph Waldemar Gritzan, who charms his girl with licorice; the Gnurpel Kukielka; a grim man named Bondzio; and many others. They are all Lachudders: people with whom one means well, even though they are fundamentally regarded as scamps. Their language, convoluted, sly, and nuanced, is as colorful as the market of Oletzko and just as firm.