In the year 1925, the publishers of a piece celebrating Thomas Mann's fiftieth birthday asked the author if he might write something for the occasion; thus, Disorder and Early Sorrow was born.

Disorder and Early Sorrow takes place during the depression of post-World War I Germany in a middle class family, which, even though money is tight, has three servants and a nanny. The story begins with a description of a family eating lunch, narrated by the father and head of household, Professor Cornelius. He sits with his wife and two oldest children, Ingrid and Bert, whom he refers to as the "big folk." Ingrid is eighteen and almost done with school and has dreams of acting. Bert is one year younger than his sister and also has aspirations of going into the entertainment industry, be it as a dancer or cabaret actor. Bert most likely...